According to Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, 1,952 cases of
corruption at Eskom have been reported to the police since April of last year.
On Wednesday night, Ramokgopa spoke during the ministry’s Budget Vote Debate in the Good Hope
Chamber of Parliament.

Corruption, including state capture, has hampered the power utility, and is viewed as a contributor
to its current challenges in generating adequate electricity generation capacity for the country.
“A total of 1 952 Eskom related cases were reported to the SA Police Service between 1 April 2022
and 29 May 2023, with 1 405 cases still under investigation, and 126 arrests have been made.
“A further 302 Eskom related cases were reported to the SA Police Service between 1 April 2023 and
29 May 2023, with 285 of the cases still under investigation, and 31 arrests effected.

“A total of 214 arrests, emanating from combatting operations, were made through the
collaborative efforts of law enforcement, together with key interdepartmental role players. The total
value of items seized was R89 933 212,” Ramokgopa said.

The Minister said these cases are tangible evidence that the power utility’s increased anti-corruption
measures are beginning to take root.

“Whilst many remains, these interventions are beginning to turn the situation around, and there are
indications that operational measures implemented have clearly disrupted the activities of criminal
syndicates,” he said.
Ramokgopa reassured South Africans that there is unlikely to be a complete blackout of the energy
grid, despite ongoing social media allegations to the contrary.
“I should hasten to stress that an increase in load shedding levels does not mean a greater risk of a
national blackout. Instead, load shedding is a tool to prevent such an occurrence by managing the
demand for electricity at a given time.
“A national blackout or grid collapse remains highly improbable, as multiple safeguards are in place
to ensure that it does not occur,” he said.
Ramokgopa said as winter begins to take its grip, government and Eskom have set plans in motion
which could potentially add 7 000MW to the grid.