If you live in South Africa, the words ‘immediate effect’ are usually in the same sentence with Eskom and load shedding.
In true Eskom style, the power utility announced another ‘immediate effect’ resolution in the dead of night.
The power utility announced late on Wednesday night that it had decided to “release’ its GCEO, Andrè de Ruyter, from his duties with immediate effect.
De Ruyter, who was serving his notice period, resigned from Eskom in December 2022.
“Following the convening of a special board meeting on 22 February 2023, the Eskom Board and group chief executive Andrè de Ruyter have reached mutual agreement to curtail his notice period to 28 February 2023,” Eskom said in a statement.
“The board further resolved that Mr de Ruyter will not be required to serve the balance of his notice period, but that he will be released from his position with immediate effect,” said Eskom in a statement on Wednesday.
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The Debt
Eskom made the announcement just hours after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered his Budget 2023 speech which included the government’s plans to take over about half of Eskom’s R400-billion debt. “National Treasury plans to “relieve” Eskom of its R400-billion ($22 billion) debt by taking over R254 billion,” announced Godongwana earlier on Wednesday.
Is Eskom a ‘feeding trough’?
On Wednesday evening, De Ruyter was also trending following a TV interview where he revealed details pointing to politically-linked corruption and looting at the power utility. In the interview, de Ruyter disclosed how he was asked by a government minister to tolerate the looting and corruption at Eskom.
After opting not to disclose the name of the particular minister, trade union federation SAFTU says it plans to lay charges against the former CEO.
De Ruyter says evidence suggests that Eskom is a “feeding trough” for the ANC – South Africa’s ruling party.
“Eskom is a feeding trough for the ANC! The ANC wanted to eat the R8.5billion we got from,COP26.There is a minister who knows this. There is another minister who is eating.”
André de Ruyter spits fire on his way out.#RamaphosaMustGo #NationalShutDown pic.twitter.com/cMDjJ4l6fk— Rlekwadu (@RLEKWADU) February 22, 2023
Andre de Ruyter passing the ANC comrades this morning pic.twitter.com/jcqxhE7pI3
— Siya (@MrSkota) February 23, 2023
Mixed reactions
De Ruyter’s immediate exit from Eskom has been met with mixed reactions. Some have labeled the ex-CEO as a hero who has disclosed corruption that has led to the ongoing blackouts across South Africa.
Some have called for De Ruyter to provide evidence for his allegations and to report the incidents to law officials.
Others are celebrating De Ruyter’s exit, noting how South Africa has continued to live under the worst load-shedding period during his tenure as Eskom CEO.
South Africa has experienced nationwide blackouts every day since the beginning of 2023.
Armed with that information, what’s stopping Andre de Ruyter from approaching the Hawks or other criminal justice agencies? pic.twitter.com/jXZcOUY7Su
— Tebogo Khaas (@tebogokhaas) February 22, 2023
Andre de Ruyter gave South Africans the Worst continuous stages of Load-shedding and now he is pointing fingers but refuses to give evidence and we are supposed to believe him. What is his legacy at ESKOM except enabling IPP beneficiaries. #Resign ENCA. pic.twitter.com/2gGnnFZ72j
— IamNotZulu (@ZaBornfree) February 23, 2023
Andre de Ruyter at O R Tambo 🧳🎒🕶 pic.twitter.com/e0t85AEAuk
— sis Thandi (@MrsWToYou) February 23, 2023