STAFF REPORTER|
ESKOM said on Wednesday that it has recovered R30 million unlawfully paid for Brian Molefe’s pension benefit to the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund.
The power utility said the money had been unlawfully paid to its former chief executive officer (CEO) in 2016.
“In July 2022, the North Gauteng High Court reaffirmed a 2018 high court judgment that had reviewed and set aside a 2016 early retirement agreement between Mr Molefe and Eskom,” the company said in a statement.
“In terms of the agreement, Eskom paid to the EPPF approximately R30-million to boost Mr Molefe’s early retirement pension payout.”
The return of the pension millions came after Judge Norman Davis of the North Gauteng High Court in July ruled in Eskom’s favour and reaffirmed a prior 2018 high court judgment that Eskom should be repaid the millions.
Davis ordered the EPPF to repay the total amount of R30.1 million, with interest, as well as the amount of R1.3 million, Eskom’s employer contributions on behalf of Molefe – also with interest.
Molefe resigned as Eskom boss in 2016 to become a member of parliament for the ruling party ANC, having fulfilled the role of CEO of Eskom for just 15 months.
Molefe’s exit coincided with the release of then Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s State Capture report in which Molefe was fingered for participating in corrupt activities at the state utility.
According to EPPF rules, Eskom employees younger than 55 cannot take early retirement, at the time of his retirement Molefe was 50.
Molefe, along with former Transnet executive Anoj Singh, finally appeared at the Palm Ridge Specialised Crimes Court in Johannesburg at the end of August on charges related to fraud of R398.4 million as well as corruption at ports and logistics giant Transnet.
Singh and Molefe appeared beside Regiments Capital directors Niven Pillay and Litha Nyhonhya.
The four were granted R50 000 bail each and were asked to hand over their passports.
STAFF REPORTER|