Eskom appoints Collin Matjilla as acting CEO

National power utility, Eskom has appointed Collin Matjila as acting chief executive, with effect from 1 April 2014.   Matjila, currently a member of the Eskom board and formerly chairman of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), will take over from current CEO Brian Dames.  “We are very excited to have Collin Matjila as the acting chief executive of Eskom given his vast knowledge and experience of the electricity industry,” said Eskom chairman, Zola Tsotsi.

Tsotsi also added, “Matjila’s experience as chairman of Nersa at some stage in his career and also as one of the current members of the Eskom board whilst also being the chairman of the Eskom Board Tender Committee for almost three years stands him in good stead for this role.”

Tsotsi also acknowledged work done by outgoing CEO, Dames, emphasizing the contribution he has made to the company.  “Brian had successfully brought stability to Eskom and through his strong leadership, we were able to keep the lights on. He is held in high regard as a result of his knowledge, leadership style and his open and transparent approach to communication. Eskom is indebted to him for his lifelong contributions to the company. We wish him well in his future endeavors,” he said.

He then went on to say, “We have a great responsibility and contribution to make towards improving the lives of all South Africans and I have no doubt that we have the depth of leadership and skills to deliver on this mandate in an effective manner.”  He added that the process for the appointment of the new chief executive is currently underway and will be finalized as soon as possible.

Eskom recently implemented load shedding for the first time since 2008 and announced that the power system remained constrained going into winter.

Source: CNBC Africa