The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, Ms Vytjie Mentor, says the government should be more proactive in the running of state owned enterprises (SOEs).
This follows reports that Eskom Chief Executive, Mr Jacob Maroga, has resigned.
Ms Mentor says the sudden resignation of Mr Maroga is surprising. Only two weeks ago, the board of Eskom appeared before the committee and announced that Mr Maroga would get a 27 percent pay increase.
Ms Mentor says the government should be fully involved in the running of SOEs, not only play a role of providing capital injections. She also says that the minister responsible approves the appointment of the chairperson of the board and chief executive on behalf of the state, therefore when a crisis arises it cannot stand on the sidelines. It must take decisive action and provide leadership.
“If the government does not intervene in this Eskom saga, the image of Eskom and the country will be dented,” says Ms Mentor.
Ms Mentor adds that no single individual can bear the responsibility for the failures of Eskom, the government as well as the board should also take responsibility for the problems at Eskom.
The chairperson is calling for the speedy resolution of the Eskom saga. She says the board and the minister will appear before the committee in due course to explain why Mr Maroga has resigned.
For enquiries or interviews with the chairperson, please contact:
Yoliswa Landu
Tel: 021 403 8203
Cell: 073 738 0182
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
Issued by: Parliament of South Africa
6 November 2009
Source: Parliament of South Africa (http://www.parliament.gov.za/)
