Eskom CEO back at desk after report he resigned

* Chairman announced Maroga's resignation last week

* CEO back at desk after week's absence

JOHANNESBURG, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Confusion reigned over the leadership at South Africa's power utility Eskom [ESCJ.UL] on Monday as Chief Executive Jacob Maroga returned to work, days after a source close to the firm said he had resigned.

Eskom Chairman Bobby Godsell had announced Maroga's resignation to the utility's staff last Thursday, according to the source. [ID:nL5014244]

But spokesman Andrew Etzinger said on Monday that the chief executive of the troubled utility was back at his desk, after being away all of last week.

"Jacob was away from the office since a board of directors meeting... but he is back in the office today," he told Reuters.

Maroga's tenure has been marked by power shortages, a record loss of 9.7 billion rand ($1.29 billion) in the year to March and electricity price rises criticised for stoking inflation as South Africa battles recession. [ID:nLR677617]

Etzinger said he could not confirm whether Maroga had indeed resigned, adding that only the board could comment on the developments and the way forward in the matter.