3 November 2000
Farewell functions are frequently characterised by a mixture of intense and often contradictory emotions. One has repeatedly experienced this on various occasions. For my part, I would like to draw on an analogy from what happened to be a significant part of my life, namely exiles and homecomings.
It is a well-recorded fact of history that the ANC, before it became the first legitimate government of this country, spent many difficult years leading the liberation struggle. Thousands of ANC members went into exile scattered across the globe. Many others languished as political prisoners of a tyrannical regime. The vast majority, millions of people, were forced to live lives of brutal repression, strangers in their own land.
One effect of this was a spirit of comradeship that sprang up between ANC members, wherever we found ourselves. When you are brought together in pursuit of a common goal, you develop strong bonds of friendship. It remains a challenge of our times as to how we retain this comradeship in pursuit of the deeper transformation we seek to engender in South Africa and more generally in Southern Africa.
I believe the emotions many are feeling here this evening are very much like those I have described. Allen Morgan has spent many years promoting the growth of electricity and the vision of electrification. On his journey he has felt the companionship of many fellow travellers. Together they faced obstacles, shared disappointments and celebrated their victories. I have not the slightest doubt that many thousands in the electricity industry, and the engineering sector, and in international utility circles, are proud of their association with Allen Morgan.
His departure closes one of the important chapters in the history of Eskom. It was under Allen's leadership that Eskom made its own transition, in the context of the many changes taking place in our country. I am therefore satisfied that Eskom is appropriately positioned in the political economy of South Africa and has made significant progress in positioning itself as an agent for the renaissance of the African continent.
I must commend Allen and his team for the maturity with which they have responded to the challenges of our times. As you are aware, changes in leadership, in both public and private sectors, often tend to generate uncertainty, tension and damaging conflict. Allen demonstrated his maturity and sensitivity, through a systematic implementation of the decisions and recommendations of our government on transformation. He did not use his position as CEO to divide staff and undermine the process of change. He dedicated the past few years and months to supporting the Chief Executive designate, in accordance with the decisions of our government. The achievement of the transformation goal of Eskom will in some way, resemble his own ideas and style of leadership.
Allen's examples cannot be treated as an isolated experience. It has a specific kind of significance in the SA context. It illustrates the point our govt and other observers have been making about the socio-demographics and the political reality of our country. Allan's example is a challenge to those who have been privileged in the past to commit themselves and dedicate their expertise for the betterment of the lives of the majority of South Africans. It also confirms that a transition well managed will always realise its critical objectives. The achievement of the democratic South Africa despite the resistance of the forces of reaction, is testament to this reality. I sincerely believe that Allen's departure hold very important lessons for the industry as a whole, and constitute direct contribution to corporate governance in this country.
In its annual reports, Eskom details on how much electricity it produces, the costs, revenue and profits associated with all its operations. Now, for the first time, we get the whole symphony of the world of electricity in South Africa and Eskom's role in it. The book 'Symphony of Power' being launched here tonight offers a revelation of the corporate soul over its many years of evolution and change. It reveals the foundations on which one might build for the future. It also exposes the legacy on which future leaders might build and reflect. This is not a chronicle of individuals, but a story that uses individual examples to bring out the main themes. We may not always remember the individual players, but the music they created is their enduring legacy. In a large orchestra - and there are few orchestras with over 35 000 players - the conductor, the concertmaster and the leader of the orchestra has special roles that determine the impact of the music on the audience. As a conductor, Allen made sure that the orchestra played in unison and in harmony from the same hymn book.
It is natural that colleagues and friends of Allen might experience a sense of sadness and loss. This should tell us about the personality of the man himself. It is because Allen's work inspired many people within the Eskom community and the industry as a whole. The departure of an able and dedicated leader who has led the company through some critical milestone should indeed arise this sense of sadness.
Eskomites will, however, agree with me when I say that this is also an opportunity to rejoice and reflect. Eskom is an institution that is structurally strong, and under Allen's leadership has developed such capacity and leadership, that we know we do not have to fill any sense of loss. Allen will be proud because he himself was shaped by and contributed significantly to the development of this great public company.
As we say farewell to this great friend, we must focus our minds and energy to the future of the energy sector in South Africa. We must focus because it also is a real challenge. The energy sector is undergoing some enormous changes and restructuring. We must assess and analyse these developments in order to assert our national development vision. Let us all remember that Eskom impacts on the lives of millions of our people through the provision of electricity to houses, schools, clinics, mines, and industry. It is with this in mind that we will approach the restructuring of Eskom.
I wish to take this opportunity to assure the Eskom community, its management, labour and the industry as a whole that government will not adopt a restructuring approach that will destroy the strategic capacity developed over many decades. The recent speculations in the media do not represent the position of government.
Allen, on behalf of myself and those in my Ministry who know you and have worked with you, we are inspired by your exemplary leadership. You have made a great contribution to the development of South Africa - our common nation. May you continue to do so, on whatever stage you find yourself, for many years to come.