Numsa condemns Eskom’s decision to reinstate Koko and Govender
- Published on 8 Jan 2018
- HR Pulse News Desk
The National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) has condemned the decision by the Eskom board to reinstate former acting CEO Matshela Koko and acting head of group capital Prish Govender to their positions.
The union has threatened legal action over the “seemingly bogus disciplinary process”. Koko was disciplined for nepotism and failing to declare a conflict of interest, while Govender was implicated in a scandal involving consulting firm McKinsey. Govender returned to work on 2 January, while Koko is scheduled to return as head of generation on 8 January. Numsa’s general secretary Irvin Jim said: “In a case of blatant nepotism, such as is the case was with Koko, it is simply disgraceful that he could have been let off the hook. His disciplinary hearing was marred with allegations of board interference and witnesses were threatened with intimidation, but he was cleared of all charges.
Ordinary workers at Eskom are subject to a very stringent and brutal disciplinary process when they are accused of even the most minor transgressions, but seemingly top executives are rewarded or given a slap on the wrist for their crimes.” He added that, together with the United Front, “we will intensify the campaign against Eskom and the culture of corruption through more pickets and demonstrations. We will also put pressure on the power utility to deal decisively with the racist wage gap which continues unabated in the workplace.”
Source: SA Labour News
