How far would Eskom have plunged without a man like Jan?

18 July 2023

Solidarity learnt with dismay about Jan Oberholzer’s departure from Eskom after years of selfless service in extremely difficult conditions.

As former chief operating officer Oberholzer’s tenure of 30 years came to an end in April this year. However, he has since agreed to make an ongoing contribution to the organisation as a consultant, and he would have overseen projects at Koeberg and Kusile in the near future. Unexpectedly, this two-year consultation period will now, at the end of July, be terminated early.

Solidarity’s chief executive, Dr Dirk Hermann, expressed regret at the news of Oberholzer’s sudden departure.

"Jan Oberholzer is a modern-day hero and someone whose role will still be appreciated throughout history," Hermann said.

Oberholzer’s time at the power utility was characterised by constant major challenges. That is precisely why his knowledge and input were so vital.

"He was an Eskomite through and through. His technical knowledge came at the right time to avoid implosion at Eskom. He could stem the speed of deterioration at Eskom.

"It is a pity that it is now coming to an end," Hermann said.

According to Hermann, Oberholzer’s memories of the Eskom of earlier years will be much different to those of later years, but his contribution in later years was equally important.

"It was his work that kept Eskom going through dark times. His actions possibly also won time for the private sector to enter power generation in the country," Hermann said.

Solidarity believes that those very contributions by Oberholzer probably paved the way for a sustainable and decentralised energy landscape in the country’s future.

Issued by Dirk Hermann, Chief Executive Officer, Solidarity, 18 July 2023