The Eskom Board has made a significant governance move with the appointment of Leslie Mkhabela as the Lead Independent Director, a role he officially assumed on 31 January 2025.
This decision reflects Eskom’s commitment to better governance as it navigates through operational challenges and strives to emerge as a more resilient organisation.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for Eskom, an entity fighting against the backdrop of power supply challenges and a critical need for revitalised strategic operations.
Mkhabela, who has been serving as an Independent Non-Executive Director since 1 October 2022, brings a wealth of experience and a strong ethical compass to this pivotal position.
He joined the board during a critical period marked by scrutiny and the need for substantial reform, following an appointment by the late Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan.
Mteto Nyati, chairman of the Eskom Board, expressed confidence in Mkhabela’s abilities.
“In our quest to strengthen governance and leave behind an organisation with structures that have the necessary robust checks and balances, the Board deemed it necessary to appoint Mr Mkhabela as a Lead Independent Director,” Nyati.
“We are happy that Mr Leslie Mkhabela has accepted this important role which he will occupy for the remainder of his term as an Eskom Board member. He has consistently demonstrated decisive, ethical, and inclusive leadership.”
As lead independent director, Mkhabela is expected to further enhance the Board’s effectiveness and integrity through his leadership style, which has been characterised by inclusivity and decisiveness.
His tenure at Eskom signals a clear focus on creating robust frameworks that uphold transparency and accountability within the embattled utility.
Eskom said that stakeholders and analysts alike were hopeful that Mkhabela’s leadership will aid in transforming Eskom into an organisation that not only meets its service obligations but also prioritises the trust of its consumers and shareholders.
BUSINESS REPORT