I don’t issue statements without approval of Eskom managers, says spokesperson

Author and activist Redi Tlhabi was glued to her screen watching the parliamentary hearing into Eskom shenanigans unfold. In the process, DA MP Natasha Mazzone wanted to know if Eskom spokesperson lied to the public.

She tweeted that Mazzone stated that Eskom spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe had previously “categorically denied that Eskom had any contract with Trillian”. Anoj Sing conceded that by virtue of financial transactions between the two companies, a professional client-service provider relationship existed.

Queried on whether he corrected Phasiwe on a previous statement he issued denying an existence of such a relationship, Singh responded: “I was not aware he made that statement.”

Phasiwe reacted to the Twitter interaction ensuing between Tlhabi and her followers, including journalist Sikonathi Mantshantsha, whose reportage on Eskom corrupt activities has been consistent prior to Singh’s resignation.

“For the record, as the spokesperson of Eskom, I derive my mandate from the executives. Put differently, the information I share with the media/public comes from the executives, and in some cases from the Board as well. I only make and/or issue approved statements by management,” Phasiwe tweeted.

“Are you actually admitting you lie because they tell you to?” Mantshantsha asked.

“All I’m saying is that the notion that I may have made or sent a statement to a newspaper without the knowledge and approval of the relevant departmental head is incorrect. You’ll know from experience how we at times ask for extensions precisely to get the necessary approvals,” Phasiwe explained.