Eskom’s new acting CEO is a military enthusiast … but will that help to keep our lights on?
In one of his first briefing, Mr Molefe acknowledge that consumer irritation with Eskom is justified, but also asked South Africans not "beat up" Eskom for load shedding as it is producing power for 90% of the time.
Endumeni residents may be relieved to know (possibly) that the newly appointed acting CEO of Eskom, Brian Molefe, has a passion for military history.
Mr Molefe, who is the honorary colonel in the SA Irish Regiment, was here during last year’s Talana Live weekend where he laid a wreath at the Talana graveyard.
Members of the SA Irish Regimental pipe band entertained throughout the weekend.
Mr Molefe is being billed as Eskom’s saviour following his impressive track record in Transnet and in other state and quasi-state institutions.
In one of his first briefing, Mr Molefe acknowledge that consumer irritation with Eskom is justified, but also asked South Africans not “beat up” Eskom for load shedding as it is producing power for 90% of the time.
Eskom warned on Thursday that the possibility of evening load shedding is high and is dependent on the performance of Eskom’s power plant.
This was the case since Monday, but this time Eskom also omitted its medium “prognosis” for the day. Evening load shedding has started at 17:00 and ended just before 22:00 in the previous 3 days. If Eskom does resort to load shedding on Thursday, it will be the 12th consecutive day of power cuts, which will bring the total days of load shedding for the year to 45.
The utility’s funding gap to 2018 is estimated at R200bn and it is getting a R23bn cash injection from the government this year.
“From a cash position Eskom has got a substantial amount of facilities that have been negotiated but not drawn down,” said Mr Molefe.
“In addition, the Treasury has made a commitment to give Eskom about R23bn which I believe will be given in two tranches during this financial year,” said Molefe, who was appointed to his role on Friday.
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY
TERTIARY
University of South Africa
South Africa
Bachelor of Commerce – Bachelor of Commerce
University of London
United Kingdom
Postgraduate Diploma – Economics
University of South Africa
South Africa
Masters – Business Leadership
Harvard Business School
Boston, United States of America | Completed 2006
Advanced Management Program
