Eskom may have just given the toughest job in South Africa to one of their biggest critics. Sikonathi Mantshantsha will be their new spokesperson.
January has been a month of new beginnings for Eskom. Now equipped with a fresh CEO and acting chairperson, the group have made it a hat-trick with their latest appointment. However, this particular role has been previously been described as “the toughest of the lot” – and the responsibility has been given to Sikonathi Mantshantsha.
Who is Sikonathi Manthsantsha?
The veteran journalist is the first full-time spokesperson since Khulu Phasiwe quit in 2019. Dikatsoe Mothae, the deputy spokesperson for the company, has been in the hot-seat on an interim basis since then. She can now take a well-earned break, but the same can’t be said for Mantshantsha.
The head of the media liaison team is now the go-to-guy for all communications that come out of Eskom. That means every load shedding incident, every “wet coal” fiasco and every dubious decision that makes the headlines will be addressed and handled by the former reporter.
Why this may be the most difficult job in the country
We’ve said before that both the CEO and chairperson are in unenviable positions. But at least they have the authority to effect change across the fabric of the company. Sikonathi Manthshantsha is literally the messenger that will be shot-at every time another lump of bad news reaches the conveyer belt.
Andre de Ruyer has praised the new addition to the team, and Eskom’s top-dog has stated that the media professional will help the company with their “public image” – even if this latest recruit hasn’t exactly been glowing in his articles about the power supplier.
“His appointment is a firm step-up from our side to try and improve Eskom’s image. This will hopefully add another layer of success to our media response strategies, as we aim to be more proactive and engaging.”
“Sikonathi Mantshantsha joins Eskom at a pivotal moment. His extensive media experience, specifically in the energy industry, will benefit his transition into the company and allow him to adapt quickly to a dynamic environment. I’m convinced he can help us change the fortunes of this utility.”
…Andre de Ruyter
Sikonathi Mantshantsha and Eskom: Won’t things be a bit awkward?
The new spokesperson has been extremely critical of Eskom in the past. He has blamed “empty suits” for running the company into the ground, suggesting the demise has been facilitated by politicians. However, this latest appointment has been described as a “muzzling” by cynics, who feel that Mantshantha is being “paid-off” to represent Eskom.
These claims, of course, are completely unfounded.
A quick glance at the CV of Sikonathi Mantshantsha tells us that his qualifications are on-point, even if his experience within Eskom’s inner-circle is lacking. The journalist brings the following to the table:
- Three university degrees, acquired at the University of Johannesburg, Wits and the SA Institute of Financial Markets.
- Six years’ experience in the stockbroking industry.
- He has previously worked as a financial journalist, a chief editorial researcher and as a director for Scorpio.
- The publications he has worked for, include Daily Maverick, Financial Mail, Bloomberg and Business Day.
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Source: The South African
