Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana has given in to mounting pressure placed on him to retract the controversial exemption given to Eskom. This is following criticism from different corners of politics and the public raising concerns of  possible corruption.

Following the release of the government gazette that saw the exemption of embattled power utility, Eskom from declaring all wasteful expenditure, criticism that it has received has resulted in Godongwana withdrawing the exemption for now.

In a statement, Godongwana expressed his department's intentions to seek the comment on this proposal from the public and other stakeholders, adding that the exemption was being withdrawn in the meantime.

"In the light of those comments and comments from the public, we have decided to withdraw the gazette for now and have more detailed discussions with the AG and Eskom's auditors so that the framing is proper and the checks and balances are tightened"- Godongwana

The exemption in question saw its announcement issued in a gazette on the last day of last month. This would have seen Eskom not having to declare its wasteful expenditure for the current financial year and the next two after that.

Meanwhile, ahead of Godongwana's announcement, lobby group AfriForum were in preparation to head to court to lodge an application to have Treasury's decision reverted. This amid calls from the Black Business Council, to meet with the Finance Minister as well as the Deputy President of South Africa, Paul Mashatile.

With Eskom now being tasked with keeping a close eye to their finances, one will wait in anticipation to see whether National Treasury will go back on its word in the future.