Ockie
Resident Lead Bender
By Michelle Jones
IN a salary increase that the National Union of Mineworkers has slammed as "greed", Eskom chief executive Jacob Maroga is to get 26,7 percent - nearly three times what Eskom gave its workers.
Eskom employees settled last month for a 10,55 percent salary increase after a ruling by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration that averted a strike at the last minute.
The NUM, which has about 16 000 members at Eskom, wanted a 14 percent wage hike - about double the inflation rate.
'This matter will be discussed by the top leadership of the NUM'
Union spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka slammed Maroga's increase as an "indication of (executives') greed".
"That is a huge disappointment to all of us. When we argued for a wage increase, they said the company had no money. This is really an indication of the greed that the top executives in this country have.
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"This matter will be discussed by the top leadership of the NUM and we will decide what action to take.
"This is proof of what we have been talking about. When it comes to the CEO earning so much money you don't hear the same argument about increases being in line with inflation," Seshoka said.
Eskom's 2008 annual report showed Maroga's basic salary increased from R3.914 million in 2008 to R4.96m this year.
He received additional performance shares worth R681 446 and could also expect deferred bonus shares in 2011.
DA shadow minister of energy Sej Motau said last night the increase "really can't be justified".
"We, as the DA, are very concerned about this kind of pay increase. Especially as we have been calling for a commission of inquiry for (the rolling blackouts) in 2008. This kind of increase is something that needs to be looked at very carefully. It is far more than the inflation rate and it is very questionable and very worrying."
Motau said: "Such a huge increase on the back of everything which has been coming through in the past weeks, can't be justified."
Last week Motau's deputy, Cobus Schmidt, exposed a leaked confidential internal memo from Eskom that revealed gross mismanagement of funds during the procurement of capital and management of coal supplies.
DA leader and Western Cape Premier Helen Zille called the increase a "slap in the face" for consumers who were already "tightening their belts" because of the 34 percent increase in electricity prices earlier this year and who are expected to face another increase by April next year.
Zille said: It is entirely inappropriate for (Eskom's) CEO to have his annual package increased to almost R5m.
"Maroga may not have determined his increase - but he can ask to receive the same percentage increase as Eskom workers."
Eskom spokesperson Fani Zulu did not respond to requests for comment last night.
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20090915040437875C104877
IN a salary increase that the National Union of Mineworkers has slammed as "greed", Eskom chief executive Jacob Maroga is to get 26,7 percent - nearly three times what Eskom gave its workers.
Eskom employees settled last month for a 10,55 percent salary increase after a ruling by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration that averted a strike at the last minute.
The NUM, which has about 16 000 members at Eskom, wanted a 14 percent wage hike - about double the inflation rate.
'This matter will be discussed by the top leadership of the NUM'
Union spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka slammed Maroga's increase as an "indication of (executives') greed".
"That is a huge disappointment to all of us. When we argued for a wage increase, they said the company had no money. This is really an indication of the greed that the top executives in this country have.
Continues Below ↓
"This matter will be discussed by the top leadership of the NUM and we will decide what action to take.
"This is proof of what we have been talking about. When it comes to the CEO earning so much money you don't hear the same argument about increases being in line with inflation," Seshoka said.
Eskom's 2008 annual report showed Maroga's basic salary increased from R3.914 million in 2008 to R4.96m this year.
He received additional performance shares worth R681 446 and could also expect deferred bonus shares in 2011.
DA shadow minister of energy Sej Motau said last night the increase "really can't be justified".
"We, as the DA, are very concerned about this kind of pay increase. Especially as we have been calling for a commission of inquiry for (the rolling blackouts) in 2008. This kind of increase is something that needs to be looked at very carefully. It is far more than the inflation rate and it is very questionable and very worrying."
Motau said: "Such a huge increase on the back of everything which has been coming through in the past weeks, can't be justified."
Last week Motau's deputy, Cobus Schmidt, exposed a leaked confidential internal memo from Eskom that revealed gross mismanagement of funds during the procurement of capital and management of coal supplies.
DA leader and Western Cape Premier Helen Zille called the increase a "slap in the face" for consumers who were already "tightening their belts" because of the 34 percent increase in electricity prices earlier this year and who are expected to face another increase by April next year.
Zille said: It is entirely inappropriate for (Eskom's) CEO to have his annual package increased to almost R5m.
"Maroga may not have determined his increase - but he can ask to receive the same percentage increase as Eskom workers."
Eskom spokesperson Fani Zulu did not respond to requests for comment last night.
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20090915040437875C104877
