Eskom finance chief Calib Cassim retires after 24 years
South Africa’s state power utility, Eskom, has confirmed that its group chief financial officer, Calib Cassim, retired on Saturday, 31 October 2026, bringing a 24-year career at the company to a close.
Eskom said Cassim would stay on in an acting capacity until a successor is appointed, so the handover of the utility’s finances is not left with a gap. No date for a permanent appointment has been given.
Cassim joined Eskom in 2002, working first in financial planning and regulation, and became chief financial officer in 2017. He also stepped in as acting chief executive for a year in 2023-24, after the sudden departure of André de Ruyter, before the current chief executive took over.
Eskom credited Cassim with playing a key role in strengthening its financial position and in the utility’s return to profitability, calling that a fitting milestone as he leaves. The board and executive management thanked him for his service and wished him well in retirement.
Why it matters
Eskom generates most of South Africa’s electricity, so a change at the top of its finances matters well beyond the company itself. The utility has spent recent years working to repair its finances and keep the lights on after a long period of debt, breakdowns and power cuts.
A steady handover matters because the chief financial officer oversees Eskom’s debt, its tariff requests to the regulator and the funding of new power capacity. Keeping Cassim in an acting role while a successor is found avoids a leadership gap at a sensitive time.
What happens next
Eskom says it will give an update on the appointment of a new group chief financial officer in due course. Until then, Cassim continues in the acting role.
The next things to watch are the announcement of his permanent successor and Eskom’s next set of financial results, which will show whether the recovery he is credited with helping to deliver keeps going.
This article is for general information and education only. It is not legal or financial advice.
Sources
- https://www.eskom.co.za/calib-cassim-retires-as-eskom-group-chief-financial-officer/ (Eskom, 31 October 2026)
- https://dailyinvestor.com/energy/162779/end-of-a-24-year-era-for-eskom/ (Daily Investor, 31 October 2026)
