Eskom executives cleared of wrongdoing

An independent inquiry into the troubled South African electricity producer Eskom has found no wrongdoing on the part of four executives who were suspended in March, the power utility said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Eskom Chairman Dr Ben Ngubane today confirmed that the board has received a presentation following an investigation that was commissioned by the Board in March 2015,” Eskom said.

“Accordingly, Eskom advises that following this independent inquiry no wrongdoing has been found against any of the suspended executives.”

Former CEO Tshediso Matona, ex-finance director Tsholofelo Molefe, former group capital executive Dan Morokane, and commercial and technology executive Matshela Koko were suspended on March 11.

At the time, former board chaiman Zola Tsotsi said they decided to suspend the four to ensure the inquiry process could go ahead in a transparent and unhindered manner.

Since then, Tsotsi had resigned amid rumours of clashes with fellow board members.

In the past two months, Matona, Molefe and Morokane “parted ways amicably with Eskom” with the latter choosing to remain mum on exactly how much the three were paid out in what’s believed to be golden handshakes.

Koko was the only executive not to have reached a settlement with the utility.

“There is no longer a reason to keep the remaining executive on suspension and he will return to work with immediate effect,” Eskom said on Wednesday.

Eskom said the inquiry report was being finalised and would be handed to government shortly.

“Its recommendations will be used to strengthen the current turnaround strategy being implemented by the organisation.” -ANA

(File photo: Gallo Images)