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The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy together with the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises were briefed today in a joint meeting by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Eskom on outstanding issues emanating from a joint oversight visit the committees conducted at the Koeberg Nuclear Plant in April this year. 

NUM representatives accused Eskom’s Chief Operating Officer of maliciously suspending the manager for steam generator replacement project at the Koeberg Power Station as part of his unwarranted interference in the project. They also accused the management of victimising employees who raised labour-related issues to the committees. 

The steam generator replacement project is said to be acritical enabler to the twenty-year life extension of the Koeberg Power Station post its original generation life of 31 July 2024. 

According to Eskom, poor project management, inadequate contract management and lack of financial discipline were main reasons for the suspension of the project manager at Koeberg Power Station. Furthermore, they cited several disputes with the contractor as additional issues that contributed to the delay of the project the matter which is currently subject to dispute adjudication.

Meanwhile, Eskom management disputed to organised labour raising internal issues with Parliament before exhausting internal avenues, but the committees rejected Eskom’s view. The committees expressed a concern regarding the allegation that some workers were victimised for blowing the whistle. 

Instead, they are of the view that, as a way forward, sufficient time is needed to conduct in-depth investigation on matters relating to the steam generator replacement project and the relationship between Eskom and the organised labour. 

The committees seek to understand more about the contributing factors to the current power shortages, relationship between Eskom and diesel suppliers, as well as contingency measures to replenish highly skilled workers who are either placed on suspension or resigned from the company.   

Lastly, the committees will find time to visit power plants that are affected by regular breakdowns, including dedicating a day to visit the Koeberg Power Plant. 

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Sahlulele Luzipo and the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises Khaya Magaxa