Fraud linked to Eskom's Online Vending System (OVS) has been reduced to "very low levels of activity", the power utility says.

“Earlier this year, Eskom strengthened the protection of its systems against potential threats. All enhancements are managed through a robust change management process across all divisions, ensuring consistent oversight and control. These measures are part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding operations,” comments Eskom chief technology and information officer Len de Villiers.

Eskom says the reduction in fraud levels reflects a multi-layered approach strengthening physical security, cyber resilience and operational controls. The rollout of smart meters has also enabled near real-time detection of suspicious activity, supporting more effective investigations.

Among the key actions implemented to reduce fraud are physical access controls to secure vending environments; enhanced cybersecurity tools and monitoring to prevent unauthorised access; stronger user-access controls with dashboards flagging irregularities weekly; the deployment of detection tools to highlight risk areas and enable early intervention; the rollout of smart meters and reconciliation methods to validate fraud levels monthly; and the acceleration of a new, secure vending platform to replace the current OVS.

Further, expanded investigative measures, conducted in collaboration with law enforcement, have been concluded for some of the implicated employees, with the internal process resulting in their dismissal. Certain elements are to be referred to authorities, and the company will cooperate fully, Eskom points out.

“Reducing vending fraud to very low levels, demonstrates that our interventions are effective. We are protecting revenue, restoring trust, and ensuring our customers receive a secure and reliable service. This is whilst we continue to investigate the historical fraudulent acts to establish interventions that may be necessary,” comments Eskom CE Dan Marokane.