Former Eskom Executive and Current Tongaat-Hulett Head in Line for Top Position
Dan Marokane, the current head of sugar producer Tongaat-Hulett and former head of group capital at Eskom, is expected to be appointed as the chief executive officer of Eskom. A special Cabinet meeting has been scheduled for Friday to approve the appointment, with an official announcement anticipated soon.
Eskom’s Response and Cabinet Meeting
Eskom declined to provide detailed information, responding to initial reports via spokesperson Daphne Mokwena: “Eskom would like to reiterate that the process of the appointment of the group chief executive is with the shareholder, and once the decision is made, an announcement will be made public.”
Background and Previous CEO Resignation
Former CEO André de Ruyter resigned a year ago in December 2022, leaving abruptly in February 2023. The search for a new CEO faced challenges when the board’s initial search did not yield three appointable candidates, as required by Eskom’s Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI).
Marokane as Frontrunner
Dan Marokane emerged as the frontrunner among the candidates who previously reached the final round, including Ayanda Noah, CEF board chair and former Eskom group executive; Vally Padayachee, advisor to the Association of Municipal Electrical Utilities; and former Eskom CFO, Paul O’Flaherty. However, the Eskom board initially submitted only one name to Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, prompting a shareholder directive to revise the recommendation to meet the MOI requirements.
Pending Announcement and Cabinet Approval
With a special Cabinet meeting scheduled, Dan Marokane’s appointment is pending approval. Once confirmed, Marokane is expected to take the helm at Eskom, succeeding André de Ruyter.
In a related development, Tshepo Monaheng is set to become the CEO of Denel, the embattled state-owned arms manufacturer. Monaheng, currently the CEO of the South African Forestry Company (SAFCOL), is anticipated to bring his expertise to the challenging role at Denel.
