DA wants Eskom to pay back bonuses

THE DA yesterday presented Eskom chief executive Brian Molefe with a petition calling for the power utility to repay millions in bonuses.

Natasha Mazzone, DA’s shadow minister of public enterprises, said the party had handed over a petition signed by more than 76 000 South Africans demanding that Eskom executives repay R73 million in bonuses received since the state-owned power utility started power cuts started in early 2008.

“The DA has come to Megawatt Park today to take a stand against the continued mismanagement and inefficiency of Eskom, which has cost our economy billions in revenue and caused untold job losses through years of loadshedding,” Mazzone said in a statement.

On the other hand, Eskom said that the DA had unlawfully protested at its head office yesterday.

“The group arrived at Eskom without prior approval. They then proceeded to occupy the reception area and demanded to see Eskom group chief executive Brian Molefe,” Eskom added.

“In their petition, the DA wants all bonuses paid to employees since 2008 to be returned. These demands are frivolous and preposterous.

“This action by the DA was unnecessary. It was cheap politicking and electioneering of the worst kind.

“Eskom will be conducting a forensic investigation to determine the authenticity of the signatories and the possibility that fraud may have been committed,” Eskom said.