The committee met on Wednesday to decide whether to initiate a parliamentary inquiry to investigate corruption and organised crime at the embattled power utility.

Earlier this year, De Ruyter made shocking allegations against a high-level politician in a TV interview with broadcaster eNCA.

He alleged that the governing ANC is benefitting from the corruption at Eskom through a senior politician, however, he refused to name the alleged suspect even before the committee.

He resigned from the embattled power utility in December 2022, just days after reports of an alleged poisoning attempt emerged.

Following his departure from the struggling utility, Eskom board chair Mpho Makwana told Parliament that the claims were not new and had been recorded in a report by the State Capture task team.

The team had been established based on the findings of the commission of inquiry into state capture.

President Cyril Ramaphosa also told MPs recently that he is yet to receive any names or evidence pointing at cabinet members or senior government officials’ involvement in corruption at Eskom.

During the Wednesday's sitting, DA MP Benedicta van Minnen suggested the committee come up with firm recommendations given the contradictory statements that were made.

“I do think myself that there needs to be a parliamentary investigation into what is going because really what we are seeing is very contradictory… some people get caught out, then they can remember or deny.

"It'a all very muddled and, in a way, very anecdotal situation that we are sitting with.

"But I do think there need to be firm recommendations so that we can get to the bottom of all those contradictory comments," said Van Minnen.

ANC MP Sakhumi Somyo agreed that more people should be invited before the committee to account and also suggested that the Eskom board should be called again.

Meanwhile, EFF MP Veronica Mente suggested that a criminal case be opened against De Ruyter. 

Scopa chairperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said the committee will seek legal advice on the possibility of establishing an inquiry on issues raised by De Ruyter.

"My sense is that colleagues you would want us to complete the full set of persons to appear before us, complete that list and make a determination of how we move forward.

"I know that the issue around an ad hoc committee has been proposed and put on the table, but I must say I have a level of scepticism we doing what the house has taken a decision on already.

"So I think we do need to apply our minds on that, I'll get legal to assist us in that regard.

"Let us keep sight on the option which by in large remains available to us, which is a committee inquiry, its limitations notwithstanding.

"We can see how far we can expand the scope," said Hlengwa.

Hlengwa and the committee unanimously resolved to compile a list of people who should be called to appear before it.

The list includes auditor-general Tsakani Maluleke, DG in the Presidency Phindile Baleni, former Eskom board member Busisiwe Mavuso and SAPS general Jaap Burger.

The committee also agreed that the Eskom board and De Ruyter should return for further questioning.

Hlengwa asked MPs to submit additional names of people who should be called for questioning.

The complete list is set to be finalised on Friday when President Cyril Ramaphosa’s national security adviser Sydney Mufamadi is set to appear before the committee.