MPs set to hear Eskom probe evidence

THE investigation by Parliament into Eskom is set to begin tomorrow, with the SA Council of Churches and State Capacity Research Project to give evidence on their damning findings into state capture.

Acting chairperson of the public enterprises committee Zukiswa Rantho said yesterday that they would hold their first meeting on the Eskom investigation.

The committee is one of four portfolio committees set up by Parliament to investigate state capture.

Rantho said tomorrow’s meeting would be the start of the inquiry with the SACC and State Research Capacity Project involving academics to talk about their findings, which have implicated top officials in government who have been linked to the Guptas.

The committee has already sent letters to President Jacob Zuma’s son Duduzane Zuma and the Guptas to appear before them and give evidence. Duduzane is said to have business ties with the Guptas.

Rantho explained that the inquiry by the committee would also look at the issues raised in the leaked emails.

The SACC set up a panel to probe state capture after former public protector Thuli Madonsela released her report last year. Zuma was implicated in state capture, but said he was never given an opportunity to respond and has challenged it in court.

But the SACC and State Capacity Research Project reports have made serious findings against Zuma, the Guptas and senior government officials and ministers.