Kristen van Schie
ENVIRONMENTAL NGOs have called for an independent investigation into allegations that Eskom hired a security company to spy on them – and they won’t be playing nice until it happens.
Media reports revealed that the energy provider had signed a two-year contract with Swartberg Intelligence Support Services, from June 27, 2011 until June 28 this year.
Swartberg was to provide services at Medupi, where one of the world’s largest coal-fired power stations was being built, a project deeply opposed by NGOs which favour clean energy alternatives, and was delayed by about a year because of labour unrest.
Documents leaked to the Business Times had alleged that Swartberg proceeded to collect personal information on employees, unions, political parties and NGOs, all while infiltrating the community and using upliftment projects to alter their views on Medupi.
Yesterday, Earthlife, Greenpeace and groundWork temporarily pulled out of Eskom’s NGO forum in protest against the “possibly illegal” behaviour.
“It is extremely unethical to use the disguise of community engagement to spy on the same community,” said Greenpeace Africa executive director Michael O’Brien-Onyeka.
Earthlife Africa’s Joburg project co-ordinator, Tristen Taylor, said the actions were reminiscent of the apartheid era.
“Individuals and organisations have protected rights, like freedom from this sort of intrusive behaviour,” he said.
“Eskom represents the state, and the state has no business in conducting undercover investigations,” Taylor said.
Eskom had since terminated the contract with Swartberg and launched its own investigation “to determine whether any laws were broken”.
“This behaviour is unacceptable and not in line with our values as a company,” said Eskom chief executive Brian Dames.
“Our people need to build trust with all our stakeholders.”
Apology
Not good enough, said the NGOs, which wanted all confidential information obtained by Swartberg to be handed over, a public apology from Eskom, and for the senior management – including Dames – to be held to account.
They also called for independent investigations by the public protector and energy regulator Nersa.
Neither Nersa nor Swartberg responded to queries.
“I don’t personally believe Eskom has the credibility to police itself, so an internal investigation is not good enough,” said O’Brien-Onyeka.
The NGOs said they would rejoin Eskom’s forum once the matter had been resolved, but would continue with their research and community engagement until then.
“If their intention was to get us to stop doing what we’re doing – no, it’s not going to happen,” said Taylor.
