KEY POINTS
- Cabinet approves new Eskom board to steer state utility through reforms.
- Mteto Nyati remains as chair to ensure leadership continuity.
- Government seeks to stabilise gains after Eskom posts R16bn profit.
South Africa’s Cabinet has approved a new board for Eskom Holdings, the state-owned power utility at the heart of the country’s energy recovery plan, while retaining Mteto Nyati as chair to maintain continuity in leadership and oversight.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced the appointments on Wednesday, saying they remain subject to qualification and security verifications.
The decision comes barely weeks after Eskom reported a R16 billion profit for the 2024/25 fiscal year, buoyed by a taxpayer-funded debt-relief package, tariff adjustments, and improved performance from its ageing coal plants.
Continuity Meets Reform at Eskom
The reconstituted board includes several returning members such as Dr Busisiwe Vilakazi, Lwazi Goqwana, Clive Le Roux, and Dr Andrew Barendse. Others joining the team are Dr Dimakatso Matshoga, Dr Kgaogelo Chiloane, Sharmila Govind, Dr Vuyo Peach, Dr Tsakani Mthombeni, Bajabulile Tshabalala, and Tshokolo Nchocho.
Nyati, who was appointed a year after the previous board’s term began, said continuity was key to sustaining Eskom’s turnaround efforts. However, he noted that a minimum of 25 percent of the board will be rotated to ensure the skills mix reflects changing operational realities.
Eskom’s rebound marks a rare moment of stability for the crisis-prone utility, which has long battled debt, corruption scandals, and rolling blackouts.
The new board’s challenge will be to build on recent progress while navigating the twin demands of energy reliability and affordability that continue to test South Africa’s broader economic recovery.
