SAfrica says took right steps to solve Eskom crisis

CAPE TOWN, Nov 12 (Reuters) - South Africa has followed proper corporate governance to resolve a leadership battle at power utility Eskom, which led to the resignation of its chairman and chief executive, a minister said on Thursday.

Minister for Public Enterprises Barbara Hogan, under whose jurisdiction Eskom falls, said operations at Eskom, which is struggling to keep the lights on, continued unabated and said that the damage done to the utility's image was minimal.

"This government is completely committed to abiding by the principles of proper corporate governance in all of our relationships with the state-owned enterprises," she told the parliament's National Assembly.

Analysts and industry have criticised Hogan for failing to provide leadership in resolving the battle and for allowing political groups to interfere, which in result could impact Eskom's ability to raise funds for its much-needed power expansion programme.

Hogan dismissed all concerns, saying Eskom was "on track", and would attend to its next tariff rise application under discussion at the moment.

For the main story, click on [ID:nLC440969] (Reporting by Wendell Roelf, Writing by Agnieszka Flak)