World number six gold-miner Harmony on Thursday announced the appointment of former Mozambican president Joachim Chissano to its board of directors, with effect from Friday.
Harmony chief executive Bernard Swanepoel said: “We are extremely pleased former president Chissano has agreed to become a non-executive director of Harmony. His long track record of commitment to and involvement in the shaping of African politics and economics will ensure our business remains relevant and effective.”
Chissano has played a pivotal role on the African continent for decades, helping to broker peace and self-governance for his country; leading the transitional government of independence; championing the development of a constitution and multiparty elections; and ushering in an era of commercial and economic growth.
Swanepoel pointed to the advent of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, the African Union and the ongoing presence the Commonwealth and other multilateral cooperative bodies have in Africa.
“The singular and invaluable experiences president Chissano has had will be of great value for Harmony as we navigate a new cooperative period in Africa’s history,” Swanepoel said.
When the AU was established, Chissano said: “We must be able to discover opportunities where yesterday we saw nothing but threats and risks. We should be ready to discover partners where yesterday we saw enemies.
“To do this, we have to redesign the whole conceptual architecture so that we can see further ahead — and in a different way. We must create a new vision and we must have the necessary courage to turn that vision into reality.”
Chissano said he is very glad to join the Harmony board.
“Harmony is a progressive company with strong links to Mozambique through its workforce. We share a vision for the African continent. I am looking forward to participating at board level in a committed Southern African company with an international outlook.” — I-Net Bridge