Eskom says it is taking a tough stance against fraud, corruption and misconduct in its supply chain, announcing that 101 suppliers have been restricted from doing business with the power utility for periods of up to 10 years. But behind that headline are companies who say they have been unfairly blacklisted — and who are now questioning the process that led to their exclusion. The Association of Private Security Owners, TAPSOSA, has raised particular concerns about 26 black-owned companies, alleging that they were referred for restriction without proper due process. Eskom rejects that claim, saying its disciplinary processes were followed, that suppliers were given an opportunity to respond, and that the referrals were based on evidence of serious misconduct. So today, we're hearing directly from some of the companies at the centre of this controversy. What were they accused of? Were they
given a fair opportunity to defend themselves? And what does being blacklisted by a state-owned company mean for a business, its employees and its ability to survive? Because while consequence management is essential, so too is ensuring that the process itself is fair.