Recent leadership squabbles leading to the departure of senior staff at parastatals are of grave concern, the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) said on Wednesday.

"The manner in which these departures have been handled sadly lack the dignity and confidentiality they deserve," acting CEE chairperson Mpho Nkeli said in a statement.

"The damage meted out by such media spectacles not only humiliates the exiting leaders and their families, but it creates immeasurable damage to the institutions themselves."

His comments followed leadership battles at Eskom and at State-owned weapons manufacturer Armscor.

Parastatals were government assets and central to the economy. Their integrity and image had to be protected, otherwise they would be unable to attract talent and leadership.

"It almost feels like many are happy to see the departures, whether justified or not. In our quest to be seen to be driving a certain type of behaviour, we are losing basic respect for each other, and more concerning, basic respect for leadership."

Nkeli said the "bring him down" syndrome made it difficult for institutions to find willing candidates to fill positions.

Currently Eskom, Transnet, SAA, Armscor and the SABC employed acting CEOs.

"How conducive is such display for black leadership development in SA?" Nkeli asked.