Eskom Concludes Two-Year Contract with Former Chief Operating Officer Jan Oberholzer
Key Highlights :
Eskom, South Africa's largest electricity supplier, has concluded a two-year contract with its former Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jan Oberholzer to oversee projects at its Kusile and Koeberg power plants. The contract was revealed during a visit to Eskom headquarters Megawatt Park on Wednesday by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa).
Jan Oberholzer officially retired in April this year, with the board saying it planned to scrap the position of COO upon his departure. His retirement followed the contentious exit of former chief executive officer André de Ruyter. Acting Group CEO Calib Cassim told Scopa that he had appointed Oberholzer on a contract basis to oversee the completion of critical projects at coal-fired power station Kusile and nuclear power plant Koeberg.
Kusile is one of three power stations identified by Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa as crucial to ending load shedding in South Africa. Koeberg's lifespan, meanwhile, is being extended. Scopa chair Mkhuleko Hlengwa, however, responded that "one should not build systems around individuals" and that Eskom should ensure it had the necessary skills available internally.
The board was further quizzed on their knowledge of a controversial intelligence report conducted off the books by former police commissioner George Fivaz's forensic and risk company. In response, Scopa was told that De Ruyter shared "scant" information regarding the operation's findings. According to board member Claudelle von Eck, De Ruyter mentioned that there was an investigation underway during an induction meeting for the board in January, but that he did not go into detail.
Von Eck was also of the opinion that it was "natural" to assume the investigation would be concluded internally, with the findings ultimately presented to the board. She added that the appointment of a new group CEO for Eskom is in the final stages. Thereafter, the board will report their recommendations to the Department of Public Enterprises.
The two-year contract between Eskom and Jan Oberholzer is an important step towards ensuring the successful completion of the projects at Kusile and Koeberg. It is also a reminder that Eskom needs to ensure it has the necessary skills available internally in order to achieve its goals. The board's commitment to providing oversight and holding the executive accountable is a positive sign that Eskom is on the right track to sustainability.
