Johannesburg – Spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha is leaving Eskom today, Monday (27 February 2023).
Mantshantsha, whose voice has become synonymous with frequent load-shedding announcements, is not renewing his three-year fixed-term contract, which has come to an end.
Announcing his departure, Eskom said: “Mantshantsha joined as spokesperson to lead the Media Desk during a difficult period in which the organisation needed to restore trust and credibility in its dealings” with the public and stakeholders.
Eskom added:”Over the course of three years, Mantshantsha helped improve Eskom’s public image by driving honest and frank communication in the media domain on Eskom’s real position during a difficult period characterised by operating difficulties and increased load-shedding”.
The power utility, which is implementing Stage 4 load-shedding, said Mantshantsha’s efforts have helped it to become more accountable, agile, and transparent in its external positioning while increasing its share of voice with regular executive team briefings to the public on key developments.
“Sikonathi has been the catalyst in Eskom improving transparency and frequency of information sharing, dealing with several difficult media engagements during his tenure,” said Eskom Interim Group Chief Executive Calib Cassim.
“Eskom is grateful for his contribution to our organisation, and we wish him well during his next journey.”
“In the interim, Daphne Mokwena will lead the Media Desk team and act as Eskom Group Spokesperson with immediate effect while the recruitment process for a permanent spokesperson is underway.”
Mokwena is the Senior Manager for Retail Centre of Excellence and has been in the employ of Eskom for 21 years.
Among others, Mokwena has served as the Gauteng Customer Services Senior Manager and Gauteng Distribution Spokesperson dealing with challenging issues such as Soweto debt.
