Eskom does rescind Molefe reinstatement

IN A DECISION that surprised no one, the Eskom board yesterday rescinded its decision to reinstate Brian Molefe as the power utility’s chief executive.

Eskom’s initial decision to reinstate Molefe drew criticism from political parties, civil society organisations and the public.

Molefe left Eskom in November 2016 after he was implicated in the public protector’s “State of Capture” report for an alleged relationship with the controversial Guptas. The family had allegedly tried to form a business relationship with the utility.

On March 12, it was announced Molefe would return to his job, which triggered a backlash from the ANC and the DA.

“Mr Molefe left Eskom under a cloud following the release of the public protector’s report into ‘state capture’ late last year,” ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said at the time.

“The report, while still under review, made observations against Mr Molefe which at the time he had deemed serious and significant enough to warrant his resignation.”

Kodwa said Eskom’s decision to reinstate Molefe was “tone-deaf to the South African public’s absolute exasperation and anger” on corruption.

Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown this week told Eskom to rescind its decision.

Her instruction was at the behest of an inter-ministerial committee, appointed by President Jacob Zuma, after Brown faced a serious grilling in Parliament.

Eskom released a statement yesterday confirming that it had followed Brown’s directive.

“In giving effect to and on the basis of the minister’s directive contained in the letter dated 31 May, 2017, it was resolved that the resolution of the board of directors taken on 2 May, 2017, is rescinded,” the board said.

“Furthermore, it was resolved that the reinstatement agreement concluded between Mr Molefe and Eskom on 11 May, 2017, be rescinded.

“In consequence, Mr Molefe is no longer the group chief executive of Eskom and will no longer serve as a director on the board of Eskom.”

Brian Molefe