Eskom revealed that due to the recent load shedding crisis in the country “exacerbated by serious issues of apathetic behaviour” by some top staff, the managers in Tutuka and Kendal power stations were suspended.
SA is currently experiencing stage 3 load-shedding scheduled from 8am until 10pm today.
The suspension letter was given to the two managers by Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter.
The power utility on Friday said “while it is true the aging fleet is plagued by legacy issues of neglect and omitted maintenance and is therefore susceptible to unpredictable breakdowns, it is also true the situation is exacerbated by serious issues of apathetic behaviour by some management staff.”
“It is for this reason the board has come out strongly in support of group chief executive Andre de Ruyter in his action yesterday morning of summarily suspending the Tutuka and Kendal power station managers pending disciplinary inquiries.”
“Further interventions are ongoing at the Kriel and Duvha power stations.”
“The board is pleased some units have since returned to service, but is aware the level of failures is unacceptably high.”
Eskom admonished its other power station managers to “ensure the previous culture of weak consequence management will no longer be the norm and will no longer be tolerated”.
However, the utility board have appointed three senior generation managers to Duvha, Kriel, Tutuka and Kendal power stations to “provide leadership and oversight in person”.
