WeeklySA_AdminAmerican MacArthur might have had business leader Jabu Mabuza in mind when he said: “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”
Jabu Mabuza was undoubtedly one of the most influential figures to have emerged from post-apartheid South Africa. Mabuza passed away on June 16, aged 63, due to Covid-19 complications, becoming one of the most recognisable figures to have succumbed to the pandemic since its calamitous outbreak globally in 2019.
Citations, describing him as a true patriot, indisputably fitted the man, for selflessly stepping on to the breach, and run, not amok like some compatriots of lesser ilk. Doing so, each time this country sorely needed towers like him staunch the bleeding of national assets.
At the time of his passing, Mabuza arguably occupied two of the most powerful positions in South African business – as president of Business Unity SA (BUSA), chairman of Business Leadership SA (BLSA) – including as chairman of the Africa portion of the merged Anheuser-Busch InBev and SAB Miller.
Mabuza carved himself an impeccable reputation of being South Africa’s business fixer extraordinaire, being called on numerously to douse flames at state enterprises. Almost immediately, he was on call to be chairman when the wires got crossed at partially state-owned Telkom, leaving later when the lines had been fully restored and the company.
Again, when the lights switched on and off ad infinitum at Eskom, President Cyril Ramaphosa called on the ever-ready Mabuza to step forward to steady the unwieldy light switches at the bloaty, oil-and-cash-guzzling Eskom – and, more importantly, to nip a highly sophisticated heist there.
“Mabuza is an ethical leader and respected for his business acumen and independent leadership,” the Federation of unions of SA greeted his appointment at Eskom in 2018. “As his track record as chairperson of Telkom proves, Mabuza will not allow any cabinet minister to interfere with his functions as a company director.”
BLSA chief executive Bonang Mohale said: “Not only does he (Mabuza) bring a wealth of commercial experience, he also brings with him unimpeachable integrity – a trait that is so badly needed right now in our country”.
As it later turned out, Eskom would prove too much of a raging bull that had seen too many red cloths flashed at its eyes, needing rather urgent enema to expel the cesspool stagnant inside its internal systems. But, Mabuza saw an untameable rampant animal and uncharacteristically washed his hands off – and simply walked away.
“In his resignation letter, Mabuza apologised for Eskom’s inability to meet the commitment it made to the president… to avoid load shedding,” said Ramaphosa, commending him for taking responsibility and accepting accountability for events under his leadership.
Yet, even then, Mabuza’s would emerge untainted by the tumult. He was no quitter and one never to shy away from a challenge. He was smart, streetwise, affable and humble.
In his speech, receiving an honorary doctorate at Wits University, he told the 2017 class of graduates: “As you launch into your careers, please don’t get weighed down by populism or by pessimism. Care about people. Those values, of ‘please’, ‘I am sorry’ and ‘thanks‘ will see you through,” he said. May he rest in peace…
