Eskom board chair responds to Molefe allegations

Claims that Eskom CEO Brian Molefe and the power utility’s board chair, Ben Ngubane, pressured a minister to help the Guptas take over the Glencore coal mine was dismissed as “preposterous” on Tuesday.

Ngubane who addressed the African Utility conference in Cape Town rubbished former mineral resources minister, Ngoako Ramatlhodi’s claims during an impromptu media briefing.

“My office told me the minister claims that we forced him – he claims something that is impossible. We cannot tell a minister what to do, we take orders from ministers. We ask for help,” Ngubane said.

“For a minister to now claim that we actually made him take a decision about something is preposterous.”

Read: Damning report links Molefe to Gupta mine ‘hijack’

Ngubane also shrugged off calls by the ANC for the Eskom board to be dissolved. He made it clear the board serves at the behest of those who appoint it.

“That is an opinion. We are here to serve at government’s pleasure. We made a difference. I am proud of the difference we made. We saved the country from blackouts.”

He also defended Molefe’s reinstatement despite the backlash it evoked saying that state energy firm boss should get credit for saving the country from blackouts.

“It is going to be for the good. He is going to carry on where he stopped – making electricity affordable for our people,” Ngubane said of Molefe’s reinstatement.

Ngubane in his formal address told delegates this an opportune time to invest in the region in ways that ensure mutual benefits.

Deputy minister of state enterprises, Ben Martins, also addressed delegates on behalf of government and stressed the importance of regional collaboration as key to securing energy supply and minimising costs.

Martins warned the energy deficit in Africa is alarming – costing African economies between 2% and 4% of annual GDP.

Both Ngubane and Martins steered clear of any comments on the status of South Africa’s nuclear plans.

Read: Only in a banana republic can Molefe be re-appointed – EFF