Johannesburg – The Black Business Council (BBC) and the Guma Group have celebrated Eskom’s notable performance turnaround under the present leadership.
The BBC, in partnership with the Guma Group, hosted an exclusive evening of appreciation and recognition at The Saxon Pavilion on Thursday, 13 November 2025, to honour the exemplary leadership guiding Eskom’s remarkable turnaround.
The event, which celebrated the resilience, renewal, and transformation of South Africa’s most critical state-owned enterprise, was attended by senior figures from business, government, and industry.
BBC President Elias Monage, who welcomed guests, set a celebratory tone as he highlighted the importance of government working hand-in-hand with black leaders and recognising their impact in critical institutions.
“When government, industry, and black leadership pull in the same direction, the results speak for themselves,” Monage said.
“Tonight we honour leadership that is not only competent, but transformational, and whose contribution to our country must never be overlooked.”
The event, hosted by renowned broadcaster Clement Manyatela, featured Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa as the keynote speaker.
Minister Ramokgopa applauded Eskom’s leadership for restoring stability to the national energy system.
He said the recent progress achieved at Eskom stands as a powerful example of disciplined, accountable, and purpose-driven leadership.
Eskom’s stability was contributing meaningfully to South Africa’s economic recovery and long-term development strategy, the minister said.
The evening honoured Eskom leaders, including Chairman Mteto Nyati, Group Chief Executive Officer Dan Marokane, and Group Executive for Generation Bheki Nxumalo.
The leaders were recognised for their central roles in driving Eskom’s operational recovery, strengthening governance, restoring public confidence, and setting the power utility on a sustainable path.
Their leadership has underpinned major milestones, including:
- The dramatic reduction of load-shedding to just 26 hours between 1 April and 11 September 2025 and
- The achievement of Eskom’s first full-year profit in eight years, an estimated R16 billion for the financial year ending March 2025
These outcomes were made possible through improved plant performance, reduced unplanned outages, heightened accountability, and a renewed organisational culture focused on excellence.
Reflecting on their journeys, the Eskom leaders shared personal insights.
Chairman Mteto Nyati emphasised that “leadership begins with strong governance and a unity of purpose,” that “restoring public trust in SOEs is both a duty and a privilege,” and that “Eskom’s turnaround is the result of principled leadership at every level”.
Group Chief Executive Officer Dan Marokane highlighted that “the Generation Recovery Plan demanded disciplined operational change,” that “reliable electricity is the backbone of a thriving economy,” and that “true leadership emerges when teams deliver under immense pressure”.
Group Executive for Generation Bheki Nxumalo noted that “plant reliability improved because our people believed change was possible,” that “culture matters because valued teams perform,” and that “Eskom’s progress reflects the collective hard work of every employee.”
Guma Group Chairman Robert Gumede praised the leadership and workforce of Eskom, expressing that the country and broader SADC region were fortunate to have them.
He said their “hands-on, visionary leadership supported by thousands of dedicated employees who have quietly led the country from darkness into light, achieving a turnaround in just two years using home-grown talent and capability”.
Gumede said these achievements affirm that the three honourees are fully deserving of recognition as Afro-Achievers of 2025.
