The family of the former chairman of the state-owned South African utility Eskom and well-known businessman Jabu Mabuza, has announced that he has died on Wednesday, 16 June following COVID-19 complications.
According to reports, the former chairman was appointed to lead the Eskom board immediately after Cyril Ramaphosa was elected to serve as the President of the country in December 2017. However, he resigned from the company in early 2020, following a failure to keep a promise to avert power outages over the festive season.
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A statement disclosed by his family read: “Jabu lived his life so beautifully and committed to the transformation of South Africa’s economy.”
His family further stated that the former chairman was a pillar of their strength, a devoted servant of the country, an activist in empowering black entrepreneurs and he was dedicated to working for the transformation of corporate South Africa.
The President of BUSA, Sipho Pityana described Mabuza as a powerhouse in the country’s economy. “I am at a loss for words. The passing of Jabu is tragic, devastating and a great loss for business and our country,” he said.
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It would be recalled that Mabuza also served as chairman of a number of firms, including Sun International, a casino and hotel operator, Telkom SA, a mobile and landline operator, and Anheuser Busch InBev’s African unit following its merger with SAB Miller in 2018.
Moreover, the former chairman was also the president of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and head of Business Leadership South Africa, as well as the former group chief executive officer of casino and hotel owner Tsogo Sun Holdings Limited. The business sector is saddened by the loss of Mabuza.
