The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry notes the resignation of the chairperson of Eskom, Mr Zola Tsotsi, and the appointment of Mr Ben Ngubane as acting chairperson with immediate effect. This comes at a time when Eskom needs to aggressively address the precarious power supply in the country and when it faces the combined challenges of the recent suspension of its CEO and three senior executives as well it’s the downgrading by Standard and Poor’s to “junk status”.

SACCI trusts that the swift action in appointing a replacement for Mr Tsotsi is indicative of the concern that government has relating to the energy situation in the country. Any delay in action taken has great potential to negatively influence both domestic and foreign investment decisions. Poor management of the parlous energy supply situation continues to adversely affect business which need certainty in their operating environments to safeguard their sustainability. SACCI believes that insufficient information is forthcoming from the actual state of affairs within Eskom and calls for an open discussion with Eskom and for enhanced interaction with Deputy President, Hon C Ramaphosa, and the war room which is convened under his auspices.

SACCI wishes Mr Ngubane success in the daunting task that he faces and hopes that confidence in the ability of Eskom and government to concentrate on the issues at hand will be fortified and improved.

 

Issued by SACCI