Companies accused of collusion in R240m Eskom tender want regulator to drop case

Four companies accused of colluding for a R240m tender from Eskom, are seeking intervention from the Competition Tribunal to dismiss a case against them by the Competition Commission.

According to a statement from the tribunal, the case against Waco Africa, as well as three joint ventures – Tedoc, Superfecta and Mtshwen – was initiated in March 2016, after the commission received a complaint from Eskom about alleged collusive tendering.

“The companies are accused of price fixing and collusive tendering when bidding for an Eskom tender to supply, transport, deliver, install and dismantle scaffolding and thermal insulation for all of the 15 Eskom coal-fired power stations,” the tribunal said.

The investigation lasted for a year, before Eskom withdrew the complaint in March 2017. However, the commission continued its investigation and referred the case to the tribunal for prosecution.

“According to the commission, Waco – as the incumbent supplier at the time of the tender – continues to supply the services.

“The commission also claims that Waco interdicted Eskom from awarding the tender to another firm,” the tribunal said.

The matter will be heard before the tribunal on Wednesday.