Two of Eskom’s most senior executives resign

TWO of Eskom’s longest-serving and most senior executives have resigned, the utility confirmed yesterday.

The announcement comes as Eskom faces its most challenging circumstances yet, with deep financial and electricity-generation capacity problems and a week before new CEO Tshediso Matona starts work.

Group executive for sustainability Steve Lennon and group executive for enterprise development Erica Johnson have served the company for 31 and 20 years, respectively. Both gave six months’ notice. Ms Johnson will leave at the end of October and Dr Lennon at the end of March 2015.

Spokesman Andrew Etzinger said the resignations had come at different times and were not a result of any recent incident. “Neither have indicated the reasons for their resignation but the fact that both gave six months’ notice is an indication that (there) has not been a breakdown in relationships,” he said.

Dr Lennon said his reasons for leaving were “about my personal choices and options for the future”.

Dr Lennon, who was controversially overlooked for the position of acting CEO following the departure of former CEO Brian Dames in March, said Mr Matona had his full support. Although the board had preferred Dr Lennon over acting CEO Collin Matjila, it had been asked by then public enterprises minister Malusi Gigaba to reconsider.

“I fully support the new CEO and intend to work closely with him over the next six months in ensuring a smooth transition.

“In addition, Eskom has a great depth of leadership and management talent and as such I do not anticipate that my leaving will be disruptive to the business,” Dr Lennon said.

Eskom insiders said that despite the experience of the two executives, they had served their time and perhaps needed to move on.

“The core strength of Eskom lies in the layer below the executive directors. There are still some very good people there on whom Eskom depends,” said one.