(Ecofin Agency) - South Africa’s Minister of public enterprises, Lynne Brown, has appointed Matshela Koko acting chief executive officer of state power utility Eskom.

“I approved the Board’s request to appoint Mr Koko as acting Group Chief Executive Officer. Mr Koko has a wealth of experience and understands the challenges Eskom faces. His appointment will also ensure continuity at Eskom,” Brown said.

Matshela Koko came to Eskom in 1996 as an engineer. In 20 years, he was promoted five times, excluding his new position.

His appointment follows the resignation of Brian Molefe, who was involved in a corruption case. She will, according to Mrs. Brown, insure the utility’s continuity. Moreover, the Minister also instructed Eskom’s board of directors to immediately start the process to appoint a permanent new chief executive officer.

Matshela Koko assumed office today, December 1, 2016, and will remain as the acting Managing Director until a new one is appointed.

Gwladys Johnson