Eskom Generation Chief Quits Amid Spiraling South Africa Outages
The top executive for power production at South Africa’s Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. has resigned as the fragile electricity grid struggles to meet demand, threatening economic growth.
Phillip Dukashe, Eskom’s group executive for generation, was often present at online briefings to address issues plaguing the company’s coal-fired plants as nationwide power cuts persisted. After 26 years at the utility, his last day will be May 31, Eskom said Monday in a statement.
“In his resignation letter and discussions with Eskom executives, Mr. Dukashe has cited the critical need to achieve a balance for the benefit of his health, family and work responsibilities,” the utility said, without giving more details. Rhulani Mathebula will take over on an interim basis during the recruitment process.
Eskom, which generates nearly all of South Africa’s electricity, has rolled out maintenance plans to improve performance and restructure the business, but its aging plants keep tripping. The company has been under pressure to fix the engine of Africa’s most industrialized nation for years.
The utility announced nationwide power cuts on Monday.
Former Chief Executive Officer Phakamani Hadebe quit in 2019, marking average turnover for the position of one CEO per year for a decade. Andre de Ruyter took over in early 2020.
