NUMSA condemns Eskom’s attempts to ‘dry clean’ former CEO Brian Molefe

The National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA) has condemned Eskom’s decision to rehire Brian Molefe as CEO and is demanding an independent investigation into his reinstatement‚ which it says “smells of cronyism and corruption”.

It said on Saturday it was also considering whether to take legal action on the issue.

NUMSA general secretary Irvin Jim said that since his voluntary resignation last year‚ the “cloud of corruption” over Molefe’s head had not cleared.

“We view his reinstatement as an attempt by the power utility to ‘dry clean’ Molefe of the stench of corruption‚ which still lingers‚ following the damning allegations in the State of Capture report‚” Jim asserted.

He said NUMSA was “dismayed” that minister of public enterprises Lynne Brown had chosen to accept this dubious decision by the board of Eskom.

• Eskom tempts fate with somersault on MolefeOfficials at Moody's may call the government out on its commitment to good governance at state-owned companies when they visit South Africa this week after it was announced on Friday that Brian Molefe would return to his position as CEO of Eskom after he resigned under a cloud last year. 

“The minister claims that the fact that Molefe has not been found guilty of corruption means that it is acceptable for him to be re-instated.

“We wish to remind the minister that the constitutional court affirmed the powers of the Public Protector in the 2016 Nkandla judgement.

• Molefe innocent till proven guilty‚ says Minister BrownMinister of Public Enterprises Lynne Brown says newly reinstated Eskom CEO Brian Molefe remains innocent until he is proven guilty. 

The constitutional court also confirmed that the remedial action recommended by the public protector is legally binding.

• Court battle over life of Eskom Brian inevitableA court battle over the reinstatement of Eskom group chief executive Brian Molefe is inevitable. 

“It is true that Molefe is innocent until proven guilty‚ but the recommendations in the State of Capture report are clear. They called for an independent inquiry into the allegations against him‚” Jim stated.

Molefe had resigned voluntarily‚ saying at the time he wanted to clear his name and nothing had changed since his resignation‚ Jim said.

• Parliament to discuss Eskom‚ Gupta’s Tegeta coal mine and dodgy dealsThemba Godi‚ chairperson of Parliament's Standing Committee on Public‚ said parliament will discuss corruption in contracts involving Eskom and the Gupta family’s mining company‚ Tegeta. 

“Molefe should not occupy that post‚ until the allegations against him have been decisively dealt with and he has been cleared of any wrong doing‚” he added.