The paper released by Min Godhan today is essentially about how to optimise comprehensive operational efficiency strategies across Eskom. It must start with restoring and maximising operating autonomy to generating plants. They must be run as independent
entities with accountable governance structures. Resistance by unions is obvious. More strength under one tent.This is untenable. The unbundling strategy must be aggressively executed. But it must be under well defined project management protocols executed by
professionals. Ministerial intervention Must be prevented and isolated. No big deal to setup such structures. Transmission must also be set independently under its own governance structure and board. Price determination must reflect least cost and market
factors. I see no reason why coal cannot be declared an essential national commodity and have its price indexed. In this way profiteering can be curbed. What is critical is that all these interventions must be executed by qualified professionals.
This will not be easy. Alliance partners will oppose and stall progress all the way. Delayed release of this document is precisely because of resistance from Alliance partners. Question is; should we allow these unelected groups to compromise SA?
My reading of the situation is that Tripartite Alliance would rather bring the whole house down than compromise their feeding habits at the state trough. Because of their intransigence, losing our investment grade now looks highly probable.
