Minister of Public Enterprises, Ms Lynne Brown, announced today that the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eskom will be appointed within weeks.
In a briefing to the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Energy and Public Enterprises, Minister Brown said that she was treating the appointment of a permanent CEO with urgency.
The position became vacant following the resignation of the previous CEO, Mr Brian Dames. He left the position at the end of the financial year and since then Mr Collin Matjila has been the Acting CEO.
“This is why I intend taking this matter to Cabinet soon with a view to announce a new appointment latest by mid-August. Following this, I have urged the Board to move rapidly to fill all the other critical vacant executive positions to ensure the sustainability of the Company,” said Minister Brown.
She appealed to Members of Parliament to rally behind Eskom and provides the necessary support to Eskom in order to ensure security of electricity supply going forward.
“It is equally important that Eskom responds appropriately by moving forward to the next level,” said Minister Brown.
She added that the Eskom needs to adapt to the changing environment and be agile. The energy policy and regulatory environment has also been characterised by uncertainties particularly in relation to energy security and the associated costs, future planning and the anticipated end state of the industry.
However, an interdepartmental task team comprising of the Departments of Public Enterprises, Energy and National Treasury have been working with Eskom and the National Regulator to formulate a solution to the immediate challenges facing Eskom.
Minister Brown said the final report should be presented by September to the Energy Security Cabinet Sub-Committee and later to Cabinet.
Enquiries:
Colin Cruywagen
Cell: 082 377 9916
E-mail: colin.cruywagen@dpe.gov.za
