Calib Cassim, Eskom’s chief financial officer, received a total remuneration package of R13.52 million in the 2026 financial year, a report said on Thursday. The figure is higher than that disclosed for chief executive Dan Marokane, the report added.
Role in tariff applications
The same reporting noted Cassim was the signatory to Eskom’s electricity tariff applications submitted to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). NERSA has recently finalised an approved tariff increase of 8.83% and adjustments to fixed charges for the 2027/28 financial year, the paper said.
Cassim has worked at Eskom for 24 years and, the report said, is set to leave the utility next year to begin his retirement. His tenure has spanned roles in financial planning and regulation up to his current position as CFO.
Background and career
According to the reporting, Cassim grew up in Overport in Durban. His academic record includes a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (1992), a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences Honours from Unisa (1997) and a Master’s in Business Leadership from Unisa, which he pursued while already employed at Eskom.
The report traces his early professional career to Standard Bank, where he began in 2000 as a financial manager in the bank’s credit card division and gained experience in commercial banking, corporate finance and balance-sheet work. He joined Eskom in 2003 as chief advisor of financial planning and regulation and moved through management positions thereafter.
“Calib Cassim was the signatory to Eskom’s electricity tariff applications to NERSA,” the report said.
What this means for consumers and policy
Executive pay at state-owned entities is politically sensitive in South Africa. Eskom sets and applies for tariff increases that affect millions of customers and the wider economy. The overlap between senior executives who approve tariff submissions and their own remuneration attracts scrutiny from civil society, labour and political parties.
There was no immediate response from Eskom on the remuneration figure or on Cassim’s retirement timetable in the reporting. The utility has in the past pointed to the need to balance competitive pay to attract qualified professionals against public expectations for restraint at state companies.
- R13.52 million — reported total remuneration for Calib Cassim in 2026.
- 24 years — reported length of Cassim’s service at Eskom.
- 8.83% — NERSA’s approved tariff increase for 2027/28, as reported.
| Item | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Reported CFO pay (2026) | R13.52 million |
| Service at Eskom | 24 years |
| Recent NERSA decision | 8.83% tariff increase for 2027/28 |
Public debate around executive remuneration at state-owned enterprises often intensifies during periods of rate increases or service disruption. Eskom’s tariffs influence inflation, household budgets and the cost structures of companies across sectors. Any change in senior leadership, including a planned retirement, will be watched for its impact on strategy and regulatory engagement.
The report also highlights Cassim’s early interest in mathematics and accountancy and his decision to enter business studies after being influenced by television drama in his youth. It reports that he became a chartered accountant in 2000 and entered Eskom a few years later.
Further details about Eskom’s executive remuneration policy, the breakdown of Cassim’s package and a formal reaction from the utility or from NERSA were not included in the report. These remain points to be clarified as the utility and regulator continue to implement the approved tariff adjustments.
