Privatising the powerhouse of Africa appears to be a no-brainer not only for SA’s future but for the future of the continent. If Eskom’s problems stem from political interference, administrative incompetence and widespread corruption, privatisation should eliminate these failings in one fell swoop. Removing any government involvement in Eskom has to be beneficial for all stakeholders or shareholders — and for the government itself, in that the considerable money raised from privatisation would go into the coffers of the Treasury, where it could be used for the benefit of all South Africans. Having control of Eskom in private hands, free from the government’s chaotic meddling, would be the first step towards "radical economic transformation", which is government policy. This could be followed by further privatisation of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), as success breeds success. Apart from the labour movement having an opportunity to acquire a substantial shareholding, every South Afr...
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