Why ask us to pay for Eskom corruption?

ESKOM has approached the National Energy Regulator of South Africa for a 45% increase in electricity tariffs over the next three years. What is baffling is that nothing is mentioned about implementing procedures to recover the billions that were looted from the energy parastatal.

Shouldn’t the culprits that enriched themselves through corrupt dealings with Eskom be brought to book and made to repay the many billions lost? Bear in mind that over the past decade, electricity tariffs have increased by at least 360%.

Disgracefully, there were alleged corrupt dealings involving members of the national executive with the Gupta family and their family businesses. These include the improper awarding of coal supply agreements by Eskom, its board and its officials to Gupta related businesses such as Tegeta; Eskom staff allegedly working with the Guptas regarding the forced sale of Optimum to Tegeta; the issuing of guarantees and prepayments worth billions of rands to finance Gupta businesses, including the purchasing of Optimum; irregular sponsorship agreements totalling millions between Gupta’s TNA Media and Eskom, which included the New Age Breakfast deal on SABC; and alleged unlawful gratuities to public officials.

Why must the consumers foot the bill for corrupt business dealings?

ADIEL ISMAIL Mount View