Former Eskom chairman Bobby Godsell said on Monday he felt the country was starting to develop a more mature debate about race.

Godsell resigned from his post two weeks ago after the board confirmed the resignation of former CEO Jacob Maroga.

The Black Management Forum and the African National Congress Youth League accused Godsell of being a racist after what appeared to have been a power struggle with Maroga.

Speaking at a book launch in Johannesburg on Monday night, Godsell did not seem to take the accusations personally.

"I have actually found this process quite encouraging, I think people on all sides have said a few wild things, but I think this is a society that is now ready for the next phase; maybe using race in a more careful way," said Godsell.