Public Protector Lawrence Mushwana is studying a response from Eskom regarding allegations about a contract awarded by the electricity utility to a company linked to African National Congress investment firm Chancellor House.
In a statement on Monday, Mushwana’s office said he had noticed reports published in various newspapers stating that Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille intended lodging a complaint regarding allegations of improper conduct involving state contracts and ”a private entity called Chancellor House apparently linked to the African National Congress”.
Allegations in connection with the awarding of a contract by Eskom to a company in which Chancellor House had an interest appeared in the media in February.
”The Public Protector decided to make an inquiry into these allegations on his own initiative and has already received a comprehensive response from Eskom.
”The report is currently being studied in order to determine how the matter should be dealt with further.”
An investigation of the complaint reportedly to be lodged by Zille would be considered in terms of the mandate of the Public Protector.
Any additional information in connection with the matter already under consideration that she might be able to provide would be welcome.
”Furthermore, it is not clear what Ms Zille means by Advocate Mushwana should ‘demonstrate that he had the political will to take on the ruling party’ because the Public Protector is not a politician,” the statement said. — Sapa