Singh faces music in Parliament’s state capture probe
Allegations that he was involved in awarding contracts to Guptas
ESKOM’S suspended chief financial officer, Anoj Singh, will face a grilling from MPs as the portfolio committee on public enterprises resumes its inquiry into the mismanagement of state funds at Eskom.
The government wants all Eskom executives facing “allegations of corruption”, including former acting chief executive Matshela Koko and Singh, to be removed immediately.
Singh was placed on special leave last July by Eskom’s board of directors until the conclusion of an investigation into his conduct.
His suspension followed mounting allegations that he was involved in irregularly awarding contracts to Guptalinked businesses, while receiving gifts and trips from the controversial family.
Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba and Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown took a decision to put Singh on special leave following a threat by the Development Bank of SA (DBSA) that it would retract its R15 billion loan if no action was taken against Singh.
The Presidency has, in a drastic move, appointed a new board, which it said is important to strengthen corporate governance and ensure financial stability at the power utility.
Changes made to the utility included the appointment of Jabu Mabuza as the chairperson, Sifiso Dabengwa; Sindi Mabaso-Koyana; Mark Lamberti; Tshepo Mongalo; Malegapuru Makgoba; Busisiwe Mavuso; Nelisiwe Magubane; Rod Crompton; George Sebulela; Pulane Molokwane; Banothile Makhubela; and Jacky Molisane.
This decision came after Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, Brown and Gigaba met on Friday to address urgent problems at the company.
Koko vowed that he would be at his office pending advice from the board on the government’s decision.
However, Eskom spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe said the decision by the government was with immediate effect.
He further said that Koko did not show up for work yesterday.