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Johannesburg - Labour unions representing about 80% of Eskom's workforce have termed the confirmed departure of chairperson Bobby Godsell as "unfortunate and regrettable", saying his expertise will be missed.
"It is very unfortunate and regrettable to loose Godsell's leadership," said National Union of Mineworkers (Num) secretary-general Frans Baleni. "We know he has his integrity to protect and hope Eskom can still find a way to utilise him."
Solidarity deputy secretary general Dirk Hermann said the organisation was "very disappointed" about Godsell's departure. "We lost a really strong business leader who wasn't influenced by any political viewpoints, he was just a businessman throughout."
Cosatu said it pays tribute to Godsell's past as a hard-working chairperson, a former AngloGold Ashanti CEO and "a conduit between business, government and labour over the years".
Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven said Eskom must speedily appoint a CEO to replace Jacob Maroga, who left Eskom after a head-to-head turf war with Godsell.
"It does not matter what racial background the candidate is, the overriding factor skill and experience," said Craven. He added it would be desirable if the person came from the previously disadvantaged majority.
However, Baleni said it wouldn't be appropriate to appoint another white CEO as Eskom recently appointed Paul O'Flaherty as finance director. "That will be seen and feel like a reversal of the gains of transformation," he said. "Get an African for the job. They can't say there's none."
Hermann said Solidarity preferred a candidate "with the operational know-how" and that person should preferably be from within Eskom, irrespective of race.
Industrial Development Corporation chief economist Lumkile Mondi said Eskom will miss Godsell's strong leadership skills.
"Eskom needs strong people who can navigate the tough terrain it has to [cover] in order to deliver uninterrupted electrical power to industry," said Mondi. "If SA doesn't get strong people such as Godsell, it will become a basket case like other African countries.
- Fin24.com