Fidelity weighs in on R500 million Eskom security contract allegations 

Fidelity Services Group CEO, Wahl Bartmann, has confirmed that the company was awarded a three-month emergency contract with Eskom, South Africa’s power utility, to provide comprehensive security services.  

The contract, which was the subject of controversy, was reported to be worth R500 million, but Bartmann clarified that its value was R250 million. Bartmann explained that the contract included land and air support, tactical intervention units, and crowd control.  

The contract was awarded following Eskom’s wage dispute with unions in June 2022, which led to destructive riots at power stations and employees’ homes. Eskom had faced attacks on its infrastructure, and the protests were cited as a reason for the country experiencing constant stage 6 load-shedding.  

Karen Pillay, the acting head of security at Eskom, has been placed on precautionary suspension while allegations of her involvement in the security tender are being investigated. 

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