Q+A | Jan Du Plessis

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: I really love sport. My first love is rugby and I avidly followed South Africa in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Unfortunately South Africa lost to Australia in the quarter finals.

I also enjoy watching tennis and golf and, because I have lived in England so long, I have become interested in football, too. I play golf and tennis when I can find the time.

How do you spend your weekends amid your busy schedule?

For many years I've done huge amounts of traveling for my job, but always tried to minimize it at the weekends so I could spend time with my family, particularly when my children were younger.

I have three children who are now in their early 20s: two sons and a daughter. We still spend many weekends together. I might go and watch rugby with the boys or we'll go for a walk in the countryside together and enjoy a nice relaxing family dinner.

Who is your icon?

Nelson Mandela. As someone who grew up in apartheid-era South Africa in the 1960s and 1970s, he is undoubtedly my icon. What he achieved is incredible.

After 27 years in jail he came out without bearing grudges and was prepared to work with his former jailers to find a long-term solution for the benefit of the country. I met him once at a dinner with a small group of people and found he had an aura of magic around him. He is truly inspirational to me.

What book are you reading?

I am always interested in reading about current affairs, politics and global economic issues. At the moment I am reading as much as I can about the problems and potential solutions relating to the current global economy and fiscal issues, such as the European monetary crisis, US fiscal challenges et cetera.

What is the thing you want to do the most but have not found time to do?

Playing a lot more golf!

What kind of green lifestyle do you have?

Last year my wife and I built a new house in England in which we now live and we put in some renewable energy sources.

We have a system that takes heat from under the ground to supply our underfloor heating. Solar panels on the roof heat the water. And a flat roof is planted with seeds and grasses that provide high quality natural insulation and a welcoming habitat for birds and insects.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

In my profession I have been involved with a number of exciting projects, but in all of those it's been a team effort. I have had so many excellent people working with me over the years, that I don't think it's appropriate to take personal credit for any of our achievements.

What is your most treasured possession?

I don't attach particular importance to possessions. Things like family are more important.

What is your greatest fear?

I take life as it comes and I have no personal fears of the future. I enjoy life and don't spend lots of time worrying about the future.

China Daily

(China Daily 01/05/2012 page14)