ANC statement on the resignation of Eskom Board Chairperson Mr Jabu Mabuza
10 January 2020
The African National Congress (ANC) has noted the resignation of the Chairperson of the Eskom board, Mr. Jabu Mabuza as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa today, 10th January 2020.
The ANC further notes that Mr. Mabuza states as the reason for his resignation Eskom’s failure to fulfil an undertaking made to President Ramaphosa and his Deputy President David Mabuza in their capacities as President and Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa; to keep the national electricity supply stable and ensure there will be no load-shedding until mid-January 2020.
Eskom resumed nationwide rotational load-shedding from last week, citing mechanical breakdowns and unplanned maintenance.
The ANC regards this resignation as a laudable demonstration of accountability on the part of Mr. Mabuza. Building an ethical developmental state places a responsibility on those tasked with any form of fiduciary duty on institutions of state to ensure that public interest takes precedence over any other.
Addressing and overcoming the crisis at Eskom necessitates that the board be strengthened and injected with renewed impetus to implement Eskom’s turnaround plan.
Eskom plays a critical and strategic role in the South African economy and it is essential that the Eskom board be stabilized as a matter of urgency. Energy security is the single biggest threat to economic growth which requires urgent and decisive action.