Jacob Maroga, the former chief executive officer of Eskom Holdings Ltd. who is suing the South African electricity provider, said the company fired him citing “poor performance.”

Eskom’s claim that Maroga “lacked the necessary capacity to fulfil” his obligations as CEO is unfounded, according to an application he filed with the South Gauteng High Court. Maroga was “summarily dismissed” on Nov. 2 on grounds of “incapacity in light of poor performance,” a reason he denies, according to the application. Maroga is seeking reinstatement or R85.7 million ($11.3 million) in compensation.

Eskom, Africa’s largest power company, is without permanent replacements for its two most senior executives. Chairman Bobby Godsell resigned in November, saying the government didn’t support a plan to oust Maroga. The CEO left amid conflicting reports over whether or not he resigned. It had been reported in November that Jacob Maroga had resigned his post as CEO of Eskom. The Eskom dispute has set off charges of racism. The upheaval came as state-controlled Eskom sought funding for an expansion designed to ensure there’s no repeat of 2008 blackouts that shut mines. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Ayanda Shezi, Barbara Hogan, Bobby Godsell, Eskom, Jacob Maroga, Johannesburg, Mpho Makwana, Power, South Africa