Eskom needs drastic restructuring

The article in Wednesday’s paper, “New role for Eskom”, suggested that it has a fresh mission statement. The purpose of Eskom is to provide a cheap source of energy for domestic and commercial use which would lead to greater industrialisation and economic growth. Surely nothing has changed, except in recent times it has often failed to deliver on its mandate.

It is quite apparent the ANC government has little understanding of the requirements of an industrialised nation and has allowed corrupt and incompetent management of the utility, to lead it close to collapse.

Eskom needs to employ people with the necessary skills, even if the majority are white professionals, otherwise little progress will be made.

There is so much needed to restructure the country and with 260 municipalities on the verge of collapse, the chances of Eskom collecting the R14 billion it is owed is zero, so Eskom’s problems will continue.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s new dawn has been replaced by a darkening cloud and superficial surgery will not resuscitate the economy.

Drastic restructuring is the only remedy, but the ANC does not have the political will to take the action required to turn SA around, so the road ahead has a precipitous ending. Ted O’Connor