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Sasol Denies Political Reasons For Khumalo's Departure
02-12-2008
Sasol note media speculation
about Bheki Khumalo's announced departure from Sasol.
The reports are inaccurate in several respects, but particularly regarding the
link between his departure and his political affiliation.
"The suggestion that Bheki was asked to depart from Sasol because of his
political affiliation is clearly nonsense. I am concerned that there is mischief
at work. Current executive decision-makers and members of Sasol governance
bodies have no knowledge of the information ascribed by the media to so-called
‘Sasol sources'. " said Pat Davies, Sasol's Chief Executive.
"As an international organization, any decisions regarding key executives are
made in accordance with strict governance requirements and are not influenced by
the political leanings of the day. Speculation in City Press and Sunday Times
that the business relationships between Dr Penuell Maduna, Max Sisulu and Sasol
would be influenced in any way by recent political developments is also
unfounded. Our relationships with them remain as is." he continued.
Sasol reiterates the following statements made on Friday:
Statement made on Friday afternoon
"Bheki Khumalo joined Sasol in January 2007 as a Group General Manager with
responsibility for Government Relations, Corporate Affairs and BEE. Having
contributed to the improvements in these areas in the past year he has decided
to leave Sasol to pursue a new career opportunity. However, to ensure that there
is a smooth transition of his skills and expertise he has agreed to assist Sasol
in a part time consultancy capacity.
Pat Davies, Chief Executive of Sasol Limited said: "I thank Bheki for his
contribution during his tenure at Sasol and wish him well on his chosen path. We
will miss him as a colleague."
Bheki Khumalo commented: "After the improvements made over the past year in my
areas of responsibility at Sasol I now feel comfortable to move on to a new role
beyond the petrochemical sector. Announcements will be made in this regard in
due course. I will be leaving Sasol with due regrets. I admire the company not
only for its rigorous professionalism and worldwide clout - but also special
colleagues whose professional support and camaraderie I will miss. I wish Sasol
continued prosperity as a major driver of growth and innovative success in the
region and, indeed, in Africa and the world."
Response to media enquiries on Friday evening
"It has come to our attention that you may be preparing to publish an article in
which it is alleged that Bheki Khumalo's announced departure from Sasol is due
to his political affiliation.
Such an allegation if published would be devoid of all truth. As a publicly
listed company appointments and decisions about key executives are made in
accordance with international governance requirements. Political affiliations,
which vary greatly in any executive team, play no part in such decisions.
The reasons for Bheki's departure from Sasol are contained in the announcement
made earlier today."
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