"Specifically, Eskom requested the SIU to examine whether there was corruption, fraud or maladministration in a cross-section of Eskom's divisions, with a special focus on procurement, and on staff or management doing business with Eskom," Eskom said on Tuesday.
This comes after the two parties announced in March 2011 that they would cooperate to fight corruption, which is part of Eskom's commitment to government's anti-corruption initiatives.
"This investigation has now been formally authorised by a Presidential Proclamation (published on 07 February 2012)," said Eskom spokesperson Hilary Joffe.
The proclamation means that the SIU can use its full range of powers, including ordering any person in writing to produce or deliver specified books, documents or objects as well as to order a person to appear before it to answer questions under oath.
"The SIU has spent a considerable amount of time carrying out initial scanning and analysis to allow it to have a better sense of the key areas on which the investigation should focus. These include the procurement of coal and transport services, as well as any undisclosed interests held in companies doing business with Eskom. The areas cover concerns raised by Eskom as well as allegations made by members of the public," explained Eskom.
Should criminal matters be identified, they will be referred to the relevant prosecuting authority for action.
