Bobby Godsell has confirmed his resignation as chairperson of Eskom with Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan, he said in a statement on Monday.
”During this last week the Eskom board has been able to act decisively,” he said.
”Government, particularly as indicated by Minister Hogan’s address to Parliament, has given the board the backing it needed. Mpho Makwana has already demonstrated his wise and calm leadership capacities in the press conference he conducted last Thursday.
”The strong management team will soon be strengthened by new appointments in both finance and [human resources]. Eskom is ready to move forward under new leadership. It is this new leadership that must write the new chapter. I have therefore reconfirmed my resignation to Minister Hogan.”
Godsell said recently he submitted his resignation as the government had not been supportive of the board’s move to oust Jacob Maroga as CEO.
His move followed a disagreement between him and Maroga over how the parastatal should be run. Maroga’s resignation was confirmed by Eskom’s board last Thursday.
In a Talk Radio 702 interview on Friday, Hogan said she would be grateful if Godsell reconsidered his position.
Her office later said it was ”up to Mr Godsell if he wants to return to the Eskom board”.
Meanwhile, Godsell was thanked for his ”exemplary work” at Eskom by the Department of Public Enterprises on Monday.
”Since his appointment he has displayed exemplary leadership to the organisation,” the department said in a statement.
”The department has always welcomed Mr Godsell’s contribution to advancing the state’s strategic intent for Eskom. While Mr Godsell’s departure is a loss for Eskom, we share his confidence in, and support of the board, under its current leadership.
”The minister [Hogan] would like to thank Mr Godsell for his support and commitment to Eskom.”
The department said it would not take follow-up questions on the matter. — Sapa