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Second SA power executive quits

Location: South Africa. Posted on Fri, 13th Nov 2009.

There has been a power struggle at the top of the company

The chief executive of South Africa's crisis-hit power firm Eskom has left his job, only days after denying he was to quit and sparking a race row.

Jacob Maroga's resignation was reportedly announced by company chairman Bobby Godsell a week ago.

Mr Maroga, who is black, denied it and Mr Godsell, who is white, was himself forced to quit amid racism accusations.

In 2008 South Africa was hit by a power crisis with black-outs threatening the nation's economy.

Race row

Chairman Bobby Godsell announced Mr Maroga's resignation after a heated meeting, local media reported earlier this month.

But days later Mr Maroga said he had not resigned - it had been a misunderstanding, he said.

The Youth Wing of the African National Congress accused Mr Godsell, who is white, of racism.

"The time of treating black people as subjects, who can be fired as and when the white master wishes is over," they said.

Mr Godsell resigned on Monday.

Last year Eskom, which generates 95% of South Africa's electricity, lost 9.7 billion rand ($1.2bn; £700m).

In each of the next three years electricity prices will go up by 45%, it has been announced.

BBC

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