New acting CEO for Eskom

Pretoria – Johnny Dladla has been appointed as the acting Group Chief Executive of Eskom with immediate effect.

Eskom’s board announced the appointment — which was welcomed by Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown — in a statement on Thursday.

“Dladla has sufficient skills to excel in this role. He has 22 years of experience within the Eskom, 17 years invested in various non-regulated businesses and five years as Chief Executive Officer for Eskom Enterprises and its subsidiaries,” said Acting Board Chairman, Zethembe Khoza.

Dladla’s appointment follows intense consultations between the Minister and Eskom board to arrive at a prudent choice. Both parties are of firm belief that Dladla’s experience and expertise will stabilize Eskom in the short-term.

“I welcome the appointment of Mr Dladla as it will bring further stability to Eskom and its executive team,” said Minister Brown.

Khoza said Dladla’s various roles demonstrate his sterling leadership which manifested itself in his turnaround strategies.

Dladla has plied his career amongst international brands such as BHP Billiton and South African Breweries (SAB). He has successfully executed major projects, built sustainable relationships, legacy of service delivery with major local and international private and public sector organizations.

A Chartered Marketer, Dladla has studied across a range of critical fields including finance and accounting amongst Harvard Business School, Fort Hare University, Cranfield University (UK), AAA School of Advertising and IMM.

“Dladla is a seasoned business leader with impeccable credentials. His business acumen, which includes his commendable knowledge of Eskom intricacies, will come in handy in his new role. As Board, we are looking forward to working with him and his executive team to address the current challenges,” said Khoza.

Minister Brown has obligated the board to finalise the appointment of a former Group Chief Executive to ensure long-term stability to the utility.

At the end of May, Minister Brown directed the board to rescind the reappointment of former Group Chief Executive Brian Molefe.

The decision comes amid mounting concerns from Members of Parliament that Molefe’s return to the power utility was not in the interest of good governance.