Responding to a parliamentary question posed by Democratic Alliance spokesperson, Manie van Dyk, Erwin said the issue of skills shortages has been identified as a key challenge that is faced by Eskom making it a grey area at the company’s board meetings.

“At present 848 positions has been advertised.  And it was the policy of Eskom ensured that separation packages given in the past were not extended to scarce or critical skills categories like engineers, technicians and artisans,” the minister said.
But he assured van Dyk that the skills shortage was in no way the cause of the present crisis in electricity supply.

"The electricity shortage is as result of coal quality and quantity, maintenance scheduling and the price of electricity not reflecting its cost and thus leading to inefficient utilisation," Erwin said.

He also said the separation packages allowed for business efficiency while at the same time creating opportunities for employment equity.

Eskom has also developed a resourcing strategy that is anchored around a series of elements to address its future skills needs. These include attracting the right talent both locally and internationally, including a focus on bringing skilled professionals back into the country, and creating a learning environment. Eskom currently has over 5000 learners in different stages in the pipeline.

The utility is also forming alliances, including partnering with international engineering and project management firms, and encouraging multi-skilling of its work .

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