The Association of Private Security Owners of South Africa (Tapsosa) says it is pleased with Eskom’s decision to suspend head of security Karen Pillay.

It is alleged that Pillay played a major role in an unlawful tender process awarded to Fidelity Security Services.

Eskom has since placed Pillay on a precautionary suspension.

In a statement, the private security association said: “The Association of Private Security Owners of South Africa (Tapsosa) welcomes Eskom’s decision to suspend its head of security Karen Pillay, for the role she played in awarding a staggering R500- million tender to Fidelity Security Services over a period of 3-months.”

Tapsosa expressed its shock at the realisation that the right tender bidding process was not observed.

“According to reports, Pillay has been placed on precautionary suspension pending the finalisation and outcome of the probe. This is to allow the investigation to proceed unimpeded. We were left gobsmacked when learnt that Eskom had taken a very questionable decision to grant Fidelity Services Group a three-month tender worth half a billion rand – without following any competitive bidding process.”

Furthermore, the association says former Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter should also be brought to book.

“Pillay along with former CEO Andre de Ruyter were at the centre of that controversial decision.

“While we as Tapsosa are pleased with the suspension of Karen Pillay, we believe that more heads ought to roll in relation to the wasteful expenditure of taxpayers’ money. Other senior officials who signed off on this tender, must also face the music. Former CEO De Ruyter must be brought back into the country to account for his involvement in the saga as well.”

POWER Digital