JOHANNESBURG, November 11 (ANA) – Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown on Friday said she was “saddened” by the resignation of Eskom chief executive Brian Molefe, adding that she would work closely with the utility’s board to ensure stability.
“I am saddened by the announcement of Mr Molefe’s resignation. However, I do respect his decision to do so,” Brown said in a statement.
“Mr Molefe has been instrumental in developing Eskom’s turnaround strategy which is beginning to yield positive results and it is disappointing that he will not be present to see it to complete fruition.”
Molefe announced his resignation on Friday, ten days after the release of former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s “State of Capture” report which raised serious concern about his conduct in relation to the Gupta family and their mining company Tegeta.
He said he would leave his post on January 1, 2017 in the interest of the power utility and the public it serves, and would take time off to reflect before deciding on his next career move.
Brown said Molefe was leaving Eskom at a time when the company’s mid-term results showed an improvement.
“I want to reassure the country that as shareholder representative, I will work closely with the board to ensure that the company remains stable,” Brown said.
“I am confident that Mr Molefe leaves a strong executive team in place to continue to deliver on Eskom’s mandate and implementation of the turn-around strategy.”
The Democratic Alliance has vowed to lay charges against Molefe in terms of the Public Finance Management Act and Prevention and Combating of Corruption Act.
The Economic Freedom Fighters also welcomed Molefe’s resignation and called on the board of Eskom to follow suit.
– African News Agency (ANA)
