Eskom picks Johnny Dladla for acting chief executive role
ESKOM has appointed Johnny Dladla as acting group chief executive with immediate effect.
The power utility said this followed intense consultations between Minister of Public Enterprises Lynne Brown and Eskom’s board to arrive at a prudent choice.
The parastatal said both parties were of the firm belief that Dladla’s experience and expertise would stabilise Eskom in the short term.
Dladla takes over from the embattled Brian Molefe. Brown had instructed Eskom’s board to rescind a decision to reappoint Molefe as chief executive.
On Wednesday, Parliament’s portfolio committee on public enterprises resolved to devote August to an in-depth probe of the circumstances surrounding Brian Molefe’s reappointment to Eskom’s helm, including allegations that the Gupta family have a hold on the power utility.
“Dladla has sufficient skills to excel in this role. He has 22 years of experience within Eskom, 17 years invested in various non-regulated businesses and five years as chief executive for Eskom Enterprises and its subsidiaries,” said acting board chairperson, Zethembe Khoza.
Khoza said Dladla has demonstrated “sterling leadership”, which manifested itself in his turnaround strategies.
Brown said: “I welcome the appointment of Dladla as it will bring further stability to Eskom.”
Eskom said Dladla had plied his career among international brands such as BHP Billiton and South African Breweries. He had successfully executed major projects, built sustainable relationships, and had a legacy of service delivery with major local and international private and public sector organisations.
A chartered marketer, he has studied across a range of critical fields, including finance and accounting at Harvard Business School, Fort Hare University, Cranfield University (UK), AAA School of Advertising and IMM.
“Dladla is a seasoned business leader with impeccable credentials. His business acumen, which includes his commendable knowledge of Eskom intricacies, will come in handy in his new role,” said Khoza.
Brown also obligated the board to finalise the appointment of a permanent group chief executive to ensure longterm stability at the utility.
‘Dladla has sufficient skills and experience to excel in this role’