Eskom's cull of its top executives has been hailed, but experts have warned that it must be only the beginning of a severe downsizing of the power utility.
They believe more heads must roll as the country’s electricity generator works towards financial recovery.
It is expecting to make a loss of R15 billion for this financial year.
Eskom announced it had concluded its processes to reduce its executive. It had cut the number of F-band (highest earners) positions from 21 to nine.
“This was not an easy process, and I appreciate the patience and support of all those involved as we worked to conclude matters as efficiently as possible,” said group chief executive Phakamani Hadebe.
“The new structure, along with our strategy, sets us on a path towards stability, and with an executive team that is refocused on improving operational efficiencies and reducing costs to improve profitability and drive the economy forward.”
He said regrading or combining executive roles came after extensive consultation with its executive management that started on 7 November.
Energy expert Ted Blom said it did not mean workers on the ground were safe: “These are very bold first steps because they started at the top. However, this is a year too late.”
He said Eskom had a massive wage bill and the executives affected cost Eskom R50m a year.
“Eskom needs to save more than R30bn a year, so it really is a drop in the ocean, but it is a start.
“The next step is for Eskom to cut the E-band managers from 600 to 40. After that, they will start at the bottom. Many more job cuts are coming. If they do the job properly, they need to shave 35000 heads.
“Anything short of that will keep on threatening Eskom’s survival.”