Eskom

Johannesburg – Eskom Holdings SOC Limited has unveiled significant changes to its Board of Directors, with seven new appointments set to take effect from 1 December 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and guide the utility through its ongoing turnaround. The announcement, made on Thursday, 30 October 2025, includes the retention of five current members to ensure continuity, while six non-executive directors will see their tenure end on 30 November 2025. This shake-up comes at a crucial time for Eskom, which has recently celebrated over 200 days without load shedding but continues to face financial pressures, including a staggering debt burden and the need for sustainable reforms.
The new board composition reflects a blend of expertise in engineering, finance, law, human resources, and environmental science, aimed at addressing Eskom’s challenges in energy security, operational efficiency, and the transition to cleaner power sources. Cabinet approved the refreshed board on 16 October 2025, following an extension of the current board’s term from 30 September to 30 November 2025 to maintain stability during the transition. With South Africa’s economy heavily reliant on reliable electricity, these changes are expected to bolster confidence among investors, stakeholders, and the public.
Eskom’s Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane and Chief Financial Officer Calib Cassim will remain in their roles, providing executive leadership amid the board refresh. This move signals the government’s commitment to building on recent gains, such as improved energy availability factors hovering around 70%, while tackling legacy issues like infrastructure maintenance and debt recovery.

New Appointments: Bringing Fresh Expertise to the Table

The incoming directors, effective 1 December 2025, bring diverse backgrounds to help navigate Eskom’s complex landscape:

1. Dr Andrew Barendse: A telecommunications regulatory expert with over 20 years in the sector, Barendse is currently the managing executive for regulatory affairs at Vodacom. His experience in policy, compliance, and digital innovation will be key in modernising Eskom’s operations, particularly in smart grid technologies and data-driven decision-making.
2. Dr Dimakatso Matshoga: A registered professional engineer (PrEng) and certified director (Cert.Dir.), Matshoga serves as an executive director at a group focused on engineering and consulting services. With a doctorate in engineering, she has expertise in infrastructure development and risk governance, which will support Eskom’s efforts to upgrade ageing power plants and expand renewable energy integration.
3. Dr Kgaogelo Chiloane: An environmental scientist with a PhD, Chiloane is the executive director of KECES Group (Pty) Ltd and has held board roles in governance and risk committees. Her background in sustainable development and climate resilience is vital as Eskom pushes towards net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with South Africa’s Just Energy Transition.
4. Ms Sharmila Govind: A seasoned global human resources executive with more than 25 years in leadership, Govind specialises in talent management, organisational transformation, and employee relations. Her skills will aid in addressing Eskom’s workforce challenges, including skills shortages and cultural shifts needed for improved performance.
5. Dr Vuyo Peach: A legal and governance expert with a doctorate, Peach has extensive experience in compliance, corporate law, and institutional reform. She has advised on policy frameworks and ethical standards, which will strengthen Eskom’s oversight mechanisms and help navigate regulatory hurdles in the energy sector.
6. Ms Bajabulile Tshabalala (Lead Independent Director): A finance veteran, Tshabalala previously served as chief financial officer at PPC Limited and has board experience in audit and risk. Her appointment as Lead Independent Director ensures robust financial oversight, crucial for managing Eskom’s R400 billion debt and improving fiscal discipline.
7. Mr Tshokolo Nchocho: Former CEO of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Nchocho brings expertise in development finance, investment strategy, and economic transformation. His track record in funding large-scale projects will support Eskom’s capital-intensive initiatives, like grid expansion and renewable integrations.
   These appointees were selected to enhance the board’s capacity in technical, financial, and strategic areas, reflecting a push for diversity and specialised knowledge.
   Retained Members: Ensuring Continuity Amid Change
   To maintain stability, five directors have been retained:
8. Dr Mteto Nyati (Chairman): A renowned business leader and former CEO of MTN South Africa and Altron, Nyati is a 2004 Yale University World Fellow with expertise in technology and turnaround strategies. His retention provides leadership continuity as Eskom builds on its recent operational successes.
9. Dr Busisiwe Vilakazi: With a background in energy policy and governance, Vilakazi contributes to strategic planning and sustainability efforts.
10. Mr Lwazi Goqwana: Experienced in business and legal affairs, Goqwana supports risk management and compliance.
11. Mr Clive Le Roux: An engineering specialist, Le Roux focuses on operational efficiency and infrastructure.
12. Dr Tsakani Mthombeni: Known for her work in health and corporate governance, Mthombeni aids in ethical oversight and stakeholder engagement.
    This mix ensures a balance between fresh perspectives and institutional knowledge.
    Directors Stepping Down: End of Tenure on 30 November 2025
    Six non-executive directors will conclude their service:
13. Mr Leslie Mkhabela (Lead Independent Director): Focused on audit and independence.
14. Ms Fathima Gany: Expertise in finance and strategy.
15. Ms Ayanda Mafuleka: Involved in governance and transformation.
16. Dr Claudelle von Eck: Specialised in ICT and regulatory affairs.
17. Ms Tryphosa Ramano: Background in investment and development.
18. Mr Bheki Ntshalintshali: Labour and policy advocate.
    Their contributions have been acknowledged, particularly in navigating Eskom through load shedding recovery.
    Executive Leadership: Stability at the Helm
    The executive team remains unchanged, with Mr Dan Marokane as Group Chief Executive and Mr Calib Cassim as Chief Financial Officer. Marokane, appointed in March 2024, has led Eskom’s operational revival, ending load shedding and improving plant performance. With over 20 years in energy, he focuses on financial sustainability and unbundling.
    Cassim, a chartered accountant (CA(SA)) with an MBL, has served Eskom for 23 years, including as interim CEO in 2023. He oversees financial strategy amid debt challenges, with his retirement planned for October 2026.
    Eskom’s Challenges and the Road Ahead
    Eskom has made strides, with no load shedding since March 2025 and an energy availability factor above 70%. However, it faces R400 billion in debt, ageing infrastructure, and the need for R1 trillion in investments by 2030 for grid expansion and renewables. The board changes follow an extension from September to November 2025 for continuity.
    Previous boards, appointed in 2023, focused on recovery, but critics noted slow progress on unbundling the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA). The new lineup, with strong engineering and finance expertise, is poised to accelerate reforms, including the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025 for a balanced energy mix.

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