Zuma steps in on Eskom debacle

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has responded to the uproar over Brian Molefe’s reappointment as chief executive of Eskom by setting up an interministerial committee to look into resolving a matter of this nature in future.

Justice Minister Michael Masutha will lead the task team.

This followed the cabinet’s decision to back Parliament’s inquiry into Molefe’s reappointment.

Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown also announced yesterday an investigation into Eskom, stretching to 2007, when load shedding began.

The task team set up by Zuma will include Masutha, Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba, Energy Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and Brown.

Opposition parties said they would see Molefe in court on Tuesday to explain why he should be kept in the position of chief executive at the power utility.

“Cabinet is concerned about the recent developments at Eskom. It appreciates that the matter regarding the re-employment of Mr Brian Molefe as the chief executive of Eskom is before courts and in Parliament, and shall therefore respect these processes,” said acting government spokesperson Phumla Williams.

The intervention of Zuma came after Brown said she would launch her own investigation.

Natasha Mazzone of the DA said the power utility was in crisis because Brown had failed in her oversight responsibilities.

Thembinkosi Rawula of the EFF said Brown had endorsed Molefe’s decision to resign. He called for the dissolution of the board.