Several European countries have already begun to resume South African operations.
Mobil said last month that it would sell its South African operations to a local company.
The company halted its African operations and ordered staff to help find the plane.
Higgins went on to run the South African operation.
Foreign corporations began to sell their South African operations in a program of disinvestment.
Executives at the South African operations knew the cars would be a tough sell.
"Paul. . . how many men do we employ in our African operation?"
And, they say, some African operations have cost nearly as much.
The South African and Australian operations continued as independent entities from 2001.
The company said the sale of its South African operations would, after taxes, provide it with $155 million, plus 1989 earnings until the closing.