Furthermore, a search for a new chief executive officer will now commence. Mr Mpho Makwana, a longstanding member of the board and a seasoned and experienced director and manager will act as executive chairperson of Eskom until a permanent chief executive officer is appointed, and he will be supported by two senior managers in the execution of the chief executive officer's functions. He will also act as an interim chair. In addition, the board is attending to the realignment of board committees and their composition, as well as the necessary delegation of executive functions.
I would like to firmly assure this House that we are on track to ensure that Eskom and all state-owned enterprises have the capacity and support to carry out government's strategic intent, and that I, as shareholder, together with the SOE management and boards, will always act within the law and sound corporate governance principles.
Yes, Eskom is on track. The lights are on, and its most urgent priority - the revised multi year price determination application, the electricity tariff application, due to be submitted to the Regulator on 30 November 2009 - has and is feverishly being attended to.
Madam Deputy Speaker, if there are any concerns about governance of parastatals in the country, let me assure everyone in the House that this Ministry and the boards of state-owned enterprises have full authority to govern their companies without unlawful or inappropriate interference and, might I add, without feeling the pressures of people who make political crusades out of board appointments or board matters. We say to the boards of these companies, hell yes, you must govern. So let us get back to the business of building our economy and back to the business of Eskom doing the work that it has to do, providing energy to this country. Thank you very much.