The power utility previously disclosed a breach of the system in December 2024, as part of its full-year financial results, after a forensic report revealed the generation and distribution of fraudulent prepaid electricity tokens.

In response to recent media coverage, Eskom denied claims that it failed to respond to questions regarding the OVS.

“As part of Eskom’s turnaround strategy, we remain committed to being transparent with the South African public and working with the media to ensure that the facts are always well-presented,” a statement from the utility read.

“This level of collaboration will ensure that we do not raise unnecessary alarms and resist the urge to recycle old news as new.”

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Since the discovery of the breach, Eskom has implemented a comprehensive review and intervention strategy to mitigate vulnerabilities and restore system integrity.

Key actions include:

* Tighter physical access controls to secure vending environments
* Enhanced cybersecurity tools and monitoring to prevent unauthorised access
* Stronger user-access controls with weekly dashboards flagging irregularities
* Expanded investigative measures in collaboration with law enforcement, resulting in the dismissal of implicated employees and referral of certain matters to authorities
* Deployment of detection tools to highlight risk areas and enable early intervention
* Rollout of smart meters and reconciliation methods to validate fraud levels monthly
* Acceleration of a new, secure vending platform to replace the current OVS

“As the investigation into the OVS breach continues with law enforcement, and vending fraud is now reduced to very low levels, Eskom is proving that stronger systems, smarter technology, and decisive action are protecting revenue and ensuring secure, reliable electricity for all South Africans.”