Minister of Public Enterprises Lynne Brown announced on 17 April 2015 that Brian Molefe has been appointed Acting CEO of Eskom. He is headed to the parastatal after its CEO, Tshediso Matona, was suspended over a month ago.

The Unisa alumnus heads the ailing parastatal in an acting capacity until internal processes to fill the post have been finalised. It is hoped that his expertise and placement will help stabilise the electricity giant in order for it to be productive in contributing to the economy of the country and, most importantly, address electricity supply issues.

Brown stated that his immediate secondment from Transnet, which he led since 2011, was done in consultation with various stakeholders, including the Presidency, Transnet and Eskom Boards.

In his career, Molefe has made valuable input into bringing efficiencies and effectiveness to the organisations he serves. His understanding of the public sector, especially government processes, has put him in good stead to be at the helm of a complex organisation such as Eskom.

His business acumen and experience in steering organisations from complex issues has helped stabilise the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and Transnet. He has worked in the Office of the Premier in the Limpopo Province, South African National Treasury, as well as in other state-owned entities such as the Airports Company of South Africa, Telkom, National Empowerment Fund and the Export Credit Insurance Corporation.

Brown said that she is confident that Eskom will be able to “draw from Mr Molefe’s experience and understanding of financial markets which will help address Eskom’s current financial and operational position.”

Unisa also shares in his contribution which was recognised in 2008 when Unisa’s Chancellor awarded him with the Unisa Outstanding Alumnus Award. The prestigious award is dedicated to alumni who have excelled in their areas of expertise and who have made a significant contribution to society.

Molefe obtained a BCOM degree in 1994 and Master’s in Business Leadership (MBL) in 2002. He also received a Diploma in Economics from the University of London as well as an Advanced Management Programme from Harvard Business School. Other training courses include a Programme for Young Global Leaders, Kennedy School of Government and an Executive Programme at Wharton Business School (Philadelphia USA, 2003).

A political activist, Molefe has occupied numerous directorship positions within the banking industry, including Investec Property Fund Limited. He has a wealth of experience in issues of black economic empowerment, economic policy and management, governance as well as banking.

*Submitted by Busisiwe Mahlangu