No interference from Zuma on Eskom saga - Hogan

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Pretoria - Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan has confirmed that President Jacob Zuma has not interfered in the saga surrounding Eskom Chief Executive Officer Jacob Maroga and the Board of Directors.

Some media reports had alleged that Zuma had interfered to prevent Maroga from being fired by the Board of Directors.

"At no point did the President of the Republic, Mr Jacob Zuma, interfere in any way whatsoever with this process," Hogan said.

Hogan said in a statement that it had come to her attention that there was an apparent breakdown in relations between the Board of Directors of Eskom and Maroga.

She said she was committed to actively engaging with all relevant parties to ensure and secure the best possible solution and outcome for Eskom and the public.

As a shareholder, government has indicated to all relevant parties that this matter should be resolved expeditiously, with due regard to every single person's dignity and rights, Hogan said.

She said government was mindful that the employment contract was one that was between the Board of Directors and the CEO, which is governed by applicable labour laws.

"As such, labour laws and corporate governance requirements make it clear that the shareholder is not permitted to interfere with such an employment contract, doing otherwise would be a breach of our labour laws and the shareholder's duties."

She however, noted that the responsibility of the shareholder was to ensure that any dispute or breakdown in governance relations is expeditiously attended to and that due process was always respected.

"We are confident that all parties do have the best interests of the country at heart and that they will resolve this matter with the urgency that it deserves," Hogan said.