Johannesburg – The resignation of Eskom CEO André De Ruyter has been met with mixed reactions.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) said Wednesday: “We are overjoyed at the news that the worst CEO in the history of Eskoms existence, has finally decided to do the right thing and resign”.
The Eskom boss threw in the towel amid pressure to end the power generation crisis that has plunged South Africa into darkness.
Although a new board has been appointed at Eskom, there has been no end in sight for the ongoing Stage 5 load-shedding.
“When André De Ruyter started at Eskom, he claimed he could end load-shedding in 18 months,” recalled NUMSA.
“Unfortunately, we have experienced the worst load-shedding in the history of Eskom.
“Andre De Rutters gross incompetence is the reason we have such shockingly high levels of rolling blackouts.”
The energy availability factor is the lowest it has ever been. Some businesses have complained they are without electricity for up to 10 hours a day.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said he has “noted with grave concern” the resignation of De Ruyter from Eskom.
I urgently call on President Cyril Ramaphosa to outline how he will prioritise and ensure a fit-for-purpose Eskom leader that will deliver the energy plan as promised and needed by this province and country, said the Premier.
Our experience as the Western Cape Government of Mr. De Ruyter is that he has been committed to resolving the significant and myriad long-standing issues facing Eskom during his almost three years at the helm.
“However, he lacked the critical government support to resolve these issues,
Premier Winde added: Our deepest concern has been the distinct lack of urgency and leadership on this matter that is critical to this provinces livelihood.
“Just one small example is that we could have reduced load shedding by a whopping 96.5% in 2021, had 5 GW of renewable energy been brought online, as was planned but then compromised with the significant delay between bid window 4 and bid window 5 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.
His resignation comes at an extremely precarious time for South Africa as we continue to face relentless and continuous load shedding, rather than deep anxiety about leadership of the utility. We should all be doing everything we can to support the utility address its issues.”
Winde said he was “deeply perturbed, as are all Western Cape residents”.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) said De Ruyters “apparent sudden resignation” was a reflection on Energy Minister Gwede Mantashes “relentless campaign against a man”.
Last week Mantashe accused Eskom of “actively agitating for the overthrowing of government” by failing to end load-shedding.
The DA said despite having one hand tied behind his back, De Ruyter battled to get the utility on track fighting corruption, debilitating policies and political interference conducted a dutiful and responsible effort at the discharging of his duties.
“Clearly his minister, Pravin Gordhan, is powerless in the face of Mantashe and many in the RET faction who have been baying for his blood.”
The DA claimed that: “Yet again the factional shenanigans of the ANC [African National Congress] are spilling over into the efficient running of key utilities and the results will be more than dire.
“At a time when de Ruyter needed all the support he could muster and a free hand to deal with the most pressing challenge facing the country, he has been sacrificed at the altar of political expediency, factionalism, and racism.”
The DA said it condemns “this thinly-veiled ‘resignation’ and repeats its call for bold emergency action to be taken to fix the ever-increasing problem of load-shedding”.
Reacting to the resignation Public Enterprises Minister Gordhan thanked De Ruyter for taking on a very difficult job and wished him well in his future endeavours.
It has been an honour and privilege to serve Eskom and South Africa. I wish all the hard-working people of Eskom well, said De Ruyter.
Eskom Board Chairperson, Mpho Makwana said: On behalf of the Eskom Board, executive, and the entire Eskom staff, I thank De Ruyter for his extraordinary service to the people of South Africa.
“I also thank De Ruyters family for supporting the Group Chief Executive during the tumultuous period.
De Ruyter is expected to leave his R7-million-a-year job at Eskom on 31 March 2023.
