Eskom's new boss isn't quite new to the power utility.
New Eskom Group Chief Executive Officer GCEO Dan Marokane, returns to the company after having been suspended in 2015.
The Eskom Board said it was pleased with the appointment.
“Marokane returns to Eskom after he and three other senior executives were suspended following an ethical stand they took against state capture, fraud and corruption. He has experience working in distressed organisations with visible and pressurised turnaround mandates,” said board chairman Mteto Nyati.
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Marokane said he looked forward to working in the power utility.
“It is an honour to be chosen to lead Eskom at this critical juncture in its history. I look forward to working with the leadership team, Eskom Board, the Shareholder and other key stakeholders to accelerate implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan, the creation of transmission capacity as well as other critical Eskom priorities and chart a path to a sustainable future for Eskom. If it is to be, it is up to us,” he said.
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan announced on Friday, 8 December that Marokane will take the reign as GCEO at the power utility.
"Mr Marokane thrives on challenges, has the drive to energetically tackle the challenges confronting Eskom and is also ethically grounded," said Gordhan.
He is expected to start his position on 31 March 2024.
Gordhan said Marokane’s appointment follows a long, rigorous and meticulous recruitment process.
He said the board embarked on a global search for a suitable candidate with the necessary leadership, experience and business orientation with a solid track record in the energy sector.
Nyati said: “Dan has experience in managing complex strategic, operational and commercial turnaround across the private and public sectors. He also has in-depth knowledge of the Eskom environment. He leads from the front. He will hit the ground running.”
Marokane was suspended in March 2015, after he received as late-night call from Eskom secretary saying the board wanted to speak to him.
Former Eskom board member and acting CEO Zethembe Khoza told the Zondo Commission that its chairman Zola Tsotsi had told them the instruction to suspend Marokane and other executives came from former president Jacob Zuma.
Zondo report found that indeed Marokane's suspension was a "crucial step to pave the way for the capture of Eskom by the Guptas".
His recent assignment was at Tongaat-Hulett where he stepped up to lead this financially distressed business when its Chief Executive Officer resigned.
Nyati added: “We are delighted to have him on board and are confident that he, the executive committee and the Board will work well together in rebuilding an Eskom of tomorrow that is anchored on high performance culture.”
