Former Eskom chairperson Bobby Godsell had decided not to rejoin the cash-strapped utility, the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) confirmed on Monday.

Minister Barbara Hogan indicated on Friday that she would request that Godsell, a highly respected businessperson, reconsider his resignation, which he announced on Monday, November 9, 2009.

He cited a lack of support from the shareholder for the board's acceptance of the resignation of former Eskom CEO Jacob Maroga, as well as for the board's attempts at solving the dispute over whether Maroga had in fact offered to step down.

However, in a statement issued on Monday, November 16, 2009, the department said that it "would like to take this opportunity to wish Mr Bobby Godsell well as he takes leave of Eskom".

Hogan thanked Godsell, who was appointed Eskom chairperson in June 2008, for his support and commitment to the utility and described his departure as a loss.

"While Mr Godsell's departure is a loss for Eskom, we share his confidence in, and support of the board under its current leadership."

In a separate statement, Godsell confirmed his resignation and his confidence in the board.

"During this last week the Eskom board has been able to act decisively," Godsell said, adding that government had also given the board the backing it needed.

"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 wrote.

Last week, Mpho Makwana was appointed acting Eskom executive chairperson at a special shareholder's meeting, a position he would occupy until a new CEO and chairperson were appointed.

Makwana indicated that an executive search had been initiated and that a preferred candidate should be identified within 90 days.

Godsell said that Makwana had 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]," Godsell concluded.