Nothing dodgy about the reappointment of suspended execs: Eskom
Eskom has dismissed reports that there is anything untoward in its dealings around two executives who were suspended and then almost immediately reappointed last week.
Media reports pointed to two Eskom executives, who were involved with procurement deals with the Gupta-linked Trillian, being suspended last week, and then reappointed two days later.
Eskom, and its ties to Trillain – which has received millions of rands in payments for contracts with the power utility where it has allegedly done little to no work – have led to the suspension of big names at the group including acting CEO Matshela Koko, and former CEO, Brian Molefe.
The suspensions and quick reappointments led to speculation that Eskom had flouted the correct processes in dealing with the senior executives.
However, Eskom has denied this, saying that it stuck to the proper processes.
“We can confirm that suspensions occurred this week. In line with our procedure on the basis of preliminary precaution with pay and with immediate effect, the affected individuals were called upon to make written representations to motivate why the preliminary decision to suspend should not be made final,” the group said.
The executives were expected to submit their representations within two working days of receipt of the letter, which they did, Eskom said.
“Upon receipt of their representations on 17 August 2017, the respective line managers of these employees, assisted by HR, considered them and in turn decided to lift the preliminary suspensions,” it said.
The executives were identified as senior procurement manager Charles Kalima and former procurement head Edwin Mabelane.
Eskom also denied allegations that it was “dragging its feet” in its disciplinary action against Koko, who was suspended following reports accusing him of awarding a lucrative contract to a company in which his stepdaughter was a director.
The power utility said that it has already made much progress, but had to be “extremely meticulous” to be fair on the accused.
“We can confirm that we are gone through all the critical hoops and are at a stage when the commencement of the hearing will occur in the short while subject to the tying up of the last loops,” it said.
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