The Manufacturing Circle extends congratulations to André de Ruyter on his appointment as the incoming Chief Executive Officer of Eskom.

The turnaround plan for the embattled utility is a significant undertaking that requires steadfast leadership to steer the course of restructuring in the short-term and repositioning for sustainability in the long term.

Throughout his three-year term served on the Manufacturing Circle EXCO in the roles of Chairperson and then Deputy Chairperson, he displayed exemplary leadership characterised by an unwavering and tireless passion in elevating the manufacturing sector as the growth engine of the economy.

During this time, he drove the Manufacturing Circle’s ‘Map to a Million new Manufacturing Jobs in a Decade’ and the ‘Vaal Triangle Rejuvenation Action Plan’ initiatives. These seminal works developed a comprehensive understanding of the complex manufacturing environment and what is required to kick-start the sector, including the fundamental role that the utility plays in this regard.

Recommendations submitted to government included the restructure of the utility according to generation, transmission and distribution; and addressing service delivery failures at a municipal level.

Manufacturing Circle Chairperson Ayanda Mngadi says, “the Manufacturing Circle welcomes André de Ruyter’s appointment. A well-functioning utility is essential to the growth of the manufacturing sector, and we stand behind him in this endeavour”.

The Manufacturing Circle is the voice of South African manufacturing and the platform off which manufacturers position the sector as the engine to grow the South African economy.

Established in 2008 as a corporate association of manufacturers, we conduct research and engage with key stakeholders to promote the benefits of manufacturing growth for the economy, to influence policy and to highlight opportunities and priorities for manufacturing growth. The Manufacturing Circle meets periodically with government ministers, heads of key state-owned entities, leaders of provincial and local government as well as other business sector leaders.

• To put South Africa on a higher job-rich growth path, to enable us to compete and succeed as a manufacturing destination in the global economy, we need to prioritise three clear goals to: Achieve a competitive manufacturing environment;

• Attain a supportive international trade position; and

• Advance the reputation of South African manufactured products. We are committed to working with policy makers and all other stakeholders to achieve these goals. For economic growth.

For job creation. For the sake of a better life for all South Africans.

www.manufacturingcircle.co.za