Despite statements from ANC top brass that there are no plans to privatise Eskom, a sale of the utility in some form is not completely off the table, the Sunday Independent reported on 17 May 2015.<\/p>\n
According to the\u00a0report, contradictions have emerged among high-ranking members of the\u00a0ANC concerning the sale of Eskom.<\/p>\n
At a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting this week, ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe reportedly maintained that the party had not taken on a position of selling off parts of Eskom.<\/p>\n
However, he said that the party would be open to discussing it if such a plan was proposed by the \u201cwar room\u201d set up to manage issues surrounding the struggling power utlity.<\/p>\n
Previous messages from ANC legotlas had suggested selling off parts of Eskom to aid the utility\u2019s worsening financial position.<\/p>\n
Various parties, including Public Enterprises minister Lynne Brown and Cosatu, have spoken against such a move, however.<\/p>\n
According to the Sunday Independent, quoting Mantashe, should it be suggested by the war room, the \u201cChinese model\u201d of privatisation would \u201cbe something to look at\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Chinese model is\u00a0one where a part of Eskom would be taken and listed for sale, but the state would maintain a controlling stake.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an issue of discussion if it comes, but it is not coming to the NEC today,\u201d Mantashe was quoted saying.<\/p>\n
Brown this week ruled out the privatisation of basic services, such as the provision of electricity and water, as a way forward.<\/p>\n
The full story can be read in the Sunday Independent (17 May 2015)<\/em><\/p>\n Load shedding to last 3 more years<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nMore on Eskom<\/h3>\n