Eskom ‘sale’ still on the cards?

Despite statements from ANC top brass that there are no plans to privatise Eskom, a sale of the utility in some form is not completely off the table, the Sunday Independent reported on 17 May 2015.

According to the report, contradictions have emerged among high-ranking members of the ANC concerning the sale of Eskom.

At a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting this week, ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe reportedly maintained that the party had not taken on a position of selling off parts of Eskom.

However, he said that the party would be open to discussing it if such a plan was proposed by the “war room” set up to manage issues surrounding the struggling power utlity.

Previous messages from ANC legotlas had suggested selling off parts of Eskom to aid the utility’s worsening financial position.

Various parties, including Public Enterprises minister Lynne Brown and Cosatu, have spoken against such a move, however.

According to the Sunday Independent, quoting Mantashe, should it be suggested by the war room, the “Chinese model” of privatisation would “be something to look at”.

The Chinese model is one where a part of Eskom would be taken and listed for sale, but the state would maintain a controlling stake.

“It’s an issue of discussion if it comes, but it is not coming to the NEC today,” Mantashe was quoted saying.

Brown this week ruled out the privatisation of basic services, such as the provision of electricity and water, as a way forward.

The full story can be read in the Sunday Independent (17 May 2015)

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