Full name: Thulani Sikhulu Gcabashe Position: CE of Eskom since November 2000 and chairperson of Eskom Enterprises since March 1999 Main activity of the company: Generation, transmission and distribution of electricity Date and place of birth: November 1, 1957, Maritzburg, Kwazulu-Natal Education: O levels at Cambridge, 1973; BA at the University of Botswana and Swaziland, 1978; Masters in Urban and Regional Planning at Ball State University, US, 1981; Programme for Executive Development, Lausanne, Switzerland, 1985/6 First job: Town planner, Jwaneng, Botswana, 1982 Size of first pay packet: R2 500 First job with present group: Electrification manager Value of assets under your control: R74 709-million Number of people under your leadership: 33 032 Management style: Inclusive, with clear accountabilities Personal best achievement: Marriage to Lear and raising a family Professional best achievement: Present appointment Person who has had the biggest influence on your life: My mother Person who has had the biggest influence on your career: Professor Peter Robinson Person you would most like to meet: Ted Turner Businessperson who has impressed you most: Dr Nthato Motlana Philosophy of life: Day at a time, but with clear direction Biggest ever opportunity: Joining Eskom Biggest ever disappointment: Failed investments Hope for the future: Peace and prosperity Favourite reading: African literature Favourite TV programme: Frasier Favourite food/drink: Most African cuisine and dry white wine Favourite music: Light jazz, kwasa kwasa and highlife Favourite sport: Tennis Car: BMW Pets: Alsatians, Sheba and Fluffy Miscellaneous dislikes: Self-centred people Favourite other South African company: Multichoice Favourite foreign company: Coca-Cola Married: Lear (n

To subscribe to Engineering News's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.