Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, André de Ruyter tendered his resignation on Wednesday, 14 December 2022.
Eskom Board Chairperson, Mpho Makwana said, “Mr de Ruyter has agreed to stay for an additional period beyond the stipulated 30-days’ notice to ensure continuity while we urgently embark on a search for his successor. His last day at Eskom will be 31 March 2023.”
Moreover, Makwana said that on behalf of the Eskom Board, executive and the entire Eskom staff, he thanked de Ruyter for his extraordinary service to the people of South Africa.
“I also thank de Ruyter’s family for supporting the Group Chief Executive during the tumultuous period,” concluded Makwana.
Adding to this, Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan stated, “André has carried an enormous burden on behalf of South Africa, I want to thank him for his sacrifice and resilience in a difficult job.” He further added that all Eskom programmes will continue as business continuity is of primary importance for the country.
While tendering his resignation and preparing to leave the power utility, de Ruyter said, “It has been an honour and privilege to serve Eskom and South Africa. I wish all the hard-working people of Eskom well.”
While Makwana and Gordhan bid farewell to de Ruyter in a somewhat positive manner, the resignation follows a barrage of political issues.
This included de Rutyer being accused of not being able to resolve the South Africa energy crisis, and an onslaught of attacks, especially from individuals such as Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, who accused de Ruyter of treason. Where he said Eskom was actively agitating for the overthrow of the state.
Neither President Cyril Ramaphosa, nor Gordhan, responded to the allegations. The duo has also not offered support to de Ruyter and his management.
The Eskom Board has confirmed that there is no plan for the Chairman to become an interim CEO and that a comprehensive executive search will be conducted to find a suitable candidate.
With de Ruyter now stepping down from his position, what are your thoughts on the above-mentioned?
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One Response
Shame, the attempted murder by poisoning is an ominous sign that all our SOEs are captured by a ruthless gang of mafioso. They operate above the law. It should be easy to catch the perp…..follow the coffee trail. But watch this be another unsolved case. This reminds one of the apartheid assassins. I wonder who is mentoring these crooks?