The South African Independent Power Producers’ Association, (“SAIPPA”) has taken note of the  deplorable comments made by Dr. Eddie O’Connor, now former-Chairperson of Mainstream Renewables.

As an organisation, and as individuals within the organisation, we denounce this type of colonialist,  paternalistic and arrogant behaviour and we welcome him stepping down from his position. We have engaged the South African Mainstream Renewables team this afternoon. A constructive discussion followed in which we conveyed our appreciation for their willingness to engage with us and to listen to our views and inputs.
 

We also discussed the deep-seated damage and pain that apartheid has caused in our country and  that we need to engage with each other as South Africans, and with foreign companies doing business in South Africa, in a more honest and vulnerable way.
 

Humility and vulnerability lead to honest, crucial, conversations in which a bridge can be built  between parties. We believe it is imperative to understand the pain that exists and was caused by the history of colonialism and apartheid.
 

As SAIPPA we recognise the damage that the comments caused, not only to the people of South  Africa and Africa but also to the employees of Mainstream Renewables, specifically the 84 South  African employees.
 

We wish them well in their journey to repair the damage and will support them in doing so. We will also increase our efforts to foster transformative engagement, and help prevent this type of  behaviour negatively impacting on the energy sector, and on South Africa (and Africa) as a whole.

 

Issued by Thomas Garner Chairperson: SAIPPA