It’s hard to think how Eskom’s leadership crisis could have been handled in a worse way.
Resignation followed resignation, confusion reigned, and allegations of racism were levelled.
To recap, a breakdown in the relationship between senior management and the board led to the present crisis. CEO Jacob Maroga’s resignation was announced on November 5 but later denied.
Then-chairperson Bobby Godsell resigned on November 9 in frustration with the government’s actions, in a move that was seen as a victory for Maroga. He was accused of a racist agenda by the Black Management Forum but both Cosatu secretary general Zwelinzima Vavi and the National Union of Mineworkers spoke out in his defence, saying he is pro-transformation.
On Thursday, there appeared to be some resolution when the board confirmed that Maroga had indeed resigned, and that his intention to resign ”was welcomed by the board”.
On the delay in resolving the matter, acting chairperson Mpho Makwana said it was caused by their attempt to make sure Maroga got a ”dignified exit”.
Well, if anyone at the parastatal paid any attention to the media over the last few weeks, it would appear that his exit was anything but dignified.
Perhaps Maroga will now be slapped with a restraint of trade order for a few years.
At the very least, the parastatal must come clean about the crisis. The South African public is owed an explanation.
Most-read stories
November 5 to 11 2009
1. Eskom upheaval: The case against Maroga
The Eskom board’s loss of confidence in the ability of chief executive Jacob Maroga to lead the parastatal, coupled with an irretrievable breakdown in the relationship between it and Maroga, led to Maroga’s resignation.
2. Maroga out — again
An announcement is expected on Wednesday from Eskom confirming reports that Jacob Maroga is no longer CEO at the troubled power utility.
3. Bobby Godsell on why he resigned
Bobby Godsell, the former chairperson of Eskom’s board, said he had resigned on Monday morning because the government had not supported the board’s decision to accept CEO Jacob Maroga’s resignation nor its attempts to resolve the dispute.
4. Dianne Muller labels Selebi a liar
The black-clad blonde looked the former police National Commissioner straight in the eye — twice — and told him he’s a liar.
5. Eskom saga a ‘complete disaster’
The latest developments at Eskom are a ”complete disaster”, analyst Adam Habib said after Eskom chairperson Bobby Godsell resigned on Monday and CEO Jacob Maroga returned to work after his own apparent recent resignation.
6. Eskom CEO Maroga quits
Eskom chief executive officer Jacob Maroga has resigned, chairperson Bobby Godsell told staff on Thursday.
7. Malema’s ‘life in danger’
Julius Malema’s life was in danger and VIP protection guards will now watch over him around the clock, the Police Ministry said on Saturday.
8. Bobby Godsell resigns from Eskom
Eskom chairperson Bobby Godsell has resigned, the Public Enterprises Ministry said on Monday.
9. How athletics body was plundered
As Sascoc announced the suspension of Leonard Chuene and the ASA board, Lucky Sindane reports on internal corruption at the athletics body involving its events manager.
10. Lots of noise, little substance, does not a racism case make
RACISM! Yep, you heard it. THAT’S why CEO Jacob Maroga left Eskom.