Africa-Press – South-Africa. Eskom has appointed a group executive for generation after nearly a year of searching.
Bheki Nxumalo previously served as head of generation from 2019 to 2020. He is currently moving from the position of CEO of Eskom Enterprises and Eskom Rotek Industries, and was previously the manager at two power stations and the general manager at Kusile.
Acting CEO Caleb Cassim said it was very difficult to find someone “that would hit the ground running” in the role.
“We needed someone that would passionately drive the execution of recovery plan while inspiring staff to reach beyond their reach. Recently, it occurred to us that our candidate was hidden in plain sight. That leader is Bheki Nxumalo.”
This appointment comes as SA is experiencing its worst extended stretch of load shedding to date due to numerous plant issues affecting generation. Eskom has also seen several high-profile departures over the last year– among them CEO André de Ruyter, the respected head of its energy transition department Mandy Rambharos, and Riedewaan Barkadien, the chief nuclear officer who resigned after 27 years with Eskom
Philip Dukashe resigned as head of generation in May last year, while Rhulani Mathebula, who was acting in the position, resigned in November. Thomas Conradie, who also managed several stations, had been acting in the role since then.
Nxumalo said he was honoured by appointment, especially since he “literally grew up in Eskom”.
Nxumalo has an MBA and is a registered engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa. He joined Eskom in 1996 as a senior technician before progressing to production manager and maintenance manager at the Lethabo and Hendrina power stations and, eventually power station manager at Grootvlei and Matimba power stations.
“I strongly believe that Eskom has the technical and managerial capability to turn things around.”
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