Hogan: Zuma didn't interfere

Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma did not interfere in the controversy surrounding Eskom CEO Jacob Maroga and the board of directors, Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan said on Thursday.

"It has come to my attention that there is an apparent breakdown in relations between the board of directors of Eskom and the CEO," she said in a statement released ahead of a press conference expected to be about the matter.

"As Eskom's shareholder, I am committed to actively engaging with all relevant parties to ensure and secure the best possible solution and outcome for Eskom and the public.

"As shareholder, government has indicated to all relevant parties that this matter should be resolved expeditiously, with due regard to every single person's dignity and rights.

"I would like to add that at no point did the President of the Republic, Mr Jacob Zuma, interfere in any way whatsoever with this process."

Government was mindful that the employment contract was between the board of directors and the CEO, which was governed by applicable labour laws that do not permit interference by the shareholder.

The shareholder must though ensure that any dispute or breakdown in governance relations in a special operations executive was attended to with due process respected.

"We are confident that all parties do have the best interests of the country at heart and that they will resolve this matter with the urgency that it deserves."

The statement was in response to a fin24 report that Zuma had intervened to prevent Maroga's sacking.

Eskom chair Bobby Godsell will brief the media on "the current developments at Eskom" at its Johannesburg headquarters, says the company's media desk.

- Sapa