By: Natasha Archary
Ousted Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter may have hit a nerve within the ANC, particularly touching Public Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordhan with allegations of corruption within the power utility.
De Ruyter who resigned in December 2022, was meant to serve a notice period until the end of March 2023, until the failing state-owned entity found a suitable replacement.
However, after his explosive interview, which is all any South African is talking about today, went viral, de Ruyter was released from his role from Eskom with immediate effect.
With several political leaders, including Mmusi Maimane urging de Ruyter to name and shame the corrupt Ministers who are involved in draining Eskom off millions of Rands every month, it seems Pravin Gordhan wants to squash those whispers entirely.
Responding to de Ruyter’s allegations that a “high-level” minister knowingly and intentionally stole from Eskom for years, and that President Ramaphosa was made aware of this, Gordhan in no uncertain terms told de Ruyter to butt out of political matters.
Gordhan didn’t hold back when he said, “What’s important is that CEOs of any entity, including Eskom, should not be involved in open political debates or assertions, and where they have political views, that is their private business and they are welcome to express those views privately.
But it is the responsibility of any CEO of any entity, as far as I am concerned, to keep their focus on the job at hand and make sure that is done as proficiently as possible.”
Pravin Gordhan responds to Andre de Ruyter’s allegations of corruption within Eskom
But, Gordhan’s response has been interpreted as defensive and dismissive, raising the question of exactly what the Public Enterprises Minister has to hide?
Especially with de Ruyter letting slip that Eskom is merely a feeding trough for the ANC. De Ruyter also claims that corruption within Eskom is so far entrenched that there are several “cartels” involved, which is why it would be impossible to end loadshedding.
Listen to the conversation on Kaya Drive:
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