Nhlanhla Gumede, head of electricity regulation at the National Energy Regulator of South Africa Nersa, has been suspended pending the outcome of an independent inquiry.
The suspension was confirmed to News24 by a spokesperson for the Minister of Electricity and Energy after Gumedes absence at the Nersa hearings into Eskoms latest Multi-Year Price Determination became noticeable when the proceedings kicked off in Cape Town.
'The minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is applying himself to an acting appointment and will announce the outcome once that nominee has been approached and accepted,' spokesperson Tsakane Khambane said.
A highly experienced engineer, with extensive knowledge and understanding of the energy industry, Gumede was appointed Nersas full-time regulatory member primarily responsible for electricity regulation in April 2020.
The ministry did not provide detail on the grounds on Gumede was suspended.
