Former Eskom CEO Brian Dames steps down from President Ramaphosa's Sustainability Task Team
President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed a task team on 14 December to assess the situation at Eskom and submit a report.
Eskom electricity pylons. (Brent Meersman)
The team consisted of former Eskom CEO Brian Dames, along with Anton Eberhard, Grové Steyn, Tsakani Mthombeni, Frans Baleni, Sy Gourrah, Mick Davis and Busisiwe Vilakazi.
However, Dames announced earlier today that he is stepping down from the task team. Spokesperson Khusela Diko said Dames believes he is "unable to serve" on the task team, but is looking forward to serving the country in other ways. Diko said:
"Mr Dames has noted concerns raised regarding a perceived conflict of interest relating to the scope of work and terms of reference of the task team. President Ramaphosa has expressed his appreciation for Dames's willingness to serve and respects the judgment he has exercised."
Also read – Eskom secures R1.5 billion loan from French Development Agency
The news received mixed reviews from South Africans. While a Twitter user known only as Dzingaphi said, "perceptions freed credibility, Good call by Mr Dames," Khaya Sithole added: "I see the #Eskom Sustainability Task Team is already showing signs of being unsustainable."
Another user said that "Dames needed to step down" and that it was the "right call to avoid it becoming a joke of a task team." Barney Khumalo snidely added: "Oh dear, the committee is load-shedding. No one is immune!"
Dames needed to step down, in my opinion was the right call to avoid it becoming a joke of task team.
— Not relevant (@RactuallyV) December 19, 2018
Oh dear, the committe is load-shedding…no one is immune!
— Barney (@BarneyKhumalo) December 19, 2018
The team was tasked with assessing the operational viability of Eskom and determine if Eskom's current business model and structure are "appropriate."
They also need to look at how Eskom can adapt to the evolving changes in the electricity industry and ways to alleviate Eskom's debt.
More to follow. We will share updates as and when more information becomes available.
Also read – President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed a Sustainability Task Team to assess situation at Eskom
Tags: EskomSouth Africa