There should be no doubt in anyone's mind about Eskom's origins and its credentials. There should also be no doubt about Eskom's contribution to this most ancient and noble continent. More than anyone else, Eskom has been instrumental in bringing the wonderful benefits of electrical power to Africa. We currently produce in excess of 50% of all electricity consumed on the African continent. Our product is still a cause for awe and amazement to many.

At this historical conjuncture, Eskom stands at a crossroads. Thus far we have followed a path that has been fairly straight and well defined. Now we are faced with various possibilities. On the one hand, we could maintain our narrow focus on South Africa and the meeting of its electricity needs. In this, we have shown ourselves to be exceptional performers. By the end of the year we will have met our commitment to electrify one and three-quarter million homes in 5 years since we committed to this particular initiative. In the remote rural areas, solar systems are being installed at a great rate. Our expertise is recognised world-wide.

On the other hand, we could look further afield. Globalisation is a huge force sweeping the entire world. The big international players would love to establish themselves in Africa, which has huge potential for development. Already other organisations have offices in Johannesburg, so the competition is knocking at our door - it is no longer theoretical. If we ignore this trend and fail to prepare for it, we will be swallowed up by the great multinational corporations.

So as we stand on the threshold of the new millennium, our path seems fairly clear. We must meet the challenge. While we keep our roots in this part of Africa, our gaze must cover the continent. But we must know what our ultimate objective is, and keep our sights firmly fixed on that objective, lest we lose our way. To that end, we have formulated a new statement of our strategic intent, that reads as follows:
"To be a pre-eminent African energy and related services business, with global stature."

This statement reflects dynamic work in progress and could be refined further as we consult our colleagues and stakeholders. With this strategic intent in mind, we have restructured the organisation into two main divisions. One of them, Eskom Enterprises, has been relieved of any regulatory requirements and is well positioned to take our influence into Africa and beyond. Soon, the name of Eskom will be known in many distant places and our expertise will enhance standards of living for people that we may never even get to meet or know.

Archaeologists tell us that Africa is the cradle of mankind, and we choose to believe this. Our home is truly the most ancient of continents. Now we have the responsibility of making it the most modern, the most progressive. As men and women of Africa, we must ensure that we lead the way for others to follow. And as we witness the internment of the capsule, we are symbolically handing a message across a divide of time to our successors in the 21st century. By the time this capsule is opened in the year 2023, many of us may have passed on (not literally, in terms of dying) but in terms of taking advantage of having passed over our great responsibility to a new generation. We will, no more, have the opportunity to direct this organisation or influence this industry.

Let us then ensure that while we are here, we make a difference. Let us make the most of our energies and be sure that the future of our country and our continent is a very glorious one.

Thank you very much.

Eskom News Release

Speaking at the event, Eskom chairman Reuel Khoza said Eskom was inextricably bound up with Africa. Its roots were in the continent but its new strategic intent vision made it clear that Eskom had global aspirations. Eskom Enterprises, a product of the organisation's recent restructuring, was ideally positioned to extend Eskom's influence into the rest of the continent and beyond.

Eskom has recently opened an office in Kampala, the Ugandan capital, to spearhead Eskom's forays into Africa. Eskom Enterprises director, Duncan Mbonyana, will head up the operation. Typical of the projects to be launched is Motraco, a joint venture between Eskom and its counterparts in Swaziland and Mozambique. The partnership agreements for Motraco were signed in Maputo on 20 May.

With far-reaching changes for the electricity supply industry being discussed in parliament, no-one can be certain what Eskom will look like in 2023. The distribution function could reside in a separate organisation and the power stations could be privatised, competitive entities. So it seems possible that 1999 is the most appropriate time to compile a collection of artifacts and documents giving future generations a glimpse into Eskom's past, in the 20th century.