Camden Power Station has dissolved the Camden Stakeholder Forum and suspended participation in existing stakeholder engagement structures while concerns surrounding the forum are assessed.
Eskom announced the decision on 29 September, saying the move is intended to support a safer, more respectful and constructive environment for future engagement.
The decision follows several months of tension around stakeholder representation, employment and business opportunities linked to Camden Power Station. Earlier this year, community organisations submitted memorandums to Camden management and marches were held at the power station calling for changes to stakeholder engagement and greater access to local employment, bursaries, learnerships, internships and business opportunities.
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Eskom confirmed that allegations of misconduct, corruption and criminal activity had been acknowledged against Camden employees associated with the forum. However, the power utility stressed that management had not been presented with substantiated evidence confirming the allegations.
Camden also raised concern about aggressive, threatening and inflammatory commentary circulating publicly and on social media, saying this could undermine constructive engagement and heighten tensions.
Despite the suspension, employment and business opportunities will continue to be communicated through approved channels.
Camden said a formal process will now begin to establish a new stakeholder forum within 12 months, with attention given to participant safety, the integrity of the process and conditions for constructive participation.
Eskom said the suspension does not represent a withdrawal from the Msukaligwa community and that it remains committed to transparent and sustainable local engagement.