Eskom CEO Phakamani Hadebe on Monday responded to concerns about employee job security in an internal memo addressed to “Eskom Guardians” – a term that he uses to address the power utility’s staff.
“One of the questions that I hear being asked most often, is: ‘Will I still have a job in this turnaround of Eskom?’,” the memo from Hadebe read, reported Fin24.
He went on to explain that the process of reducing the headcount will provide staff with options.
“So let me assure you that, even though reducing our headcount is part of the journey of building a more sustainable organization, the options that Eskom has put on the table to assist in headcount management include natural attrition, early retirement and we are also considering the possibility of offering voluntary separation packages,” he said in the memo.
Commenting on corruption, Hadebe said it is a matter of great concern that these companies could not be involved in corrupt dealings with Eskom, without the active enablement and support from some of Eskom Guardians.
He also addressed the disconnection that some of Eskom’s employees may be experiencing given the organizational challenges.
“As leaders, we need to keep our employees and teams motivated and actively work towards building a culture that we need to heal and to thrive,” Hadebe said.
He also offered an update on steps being taken to address load shedding. He reiterated that Eskom had set aside R49bn for maintenance of failing power plants.
The Eskom CEO said an additional R9.5bn has been set aside for Medupi and Kusile to ensure that these New Build power stations are viable and can start contributing additional megawatts to the grid.
“South Africa needs a viable and sustainable Eskom and you can help us achieve this,” Hadebe said. “You are the engine room of this great institution, and you can turn our situation around. We need you and we rely on you…and South Africa relies on all of us pulling together as a team! I believe in you and know we are going to get this right!”
