Most don’t appreciate what the job as Eskom CEO entails, André de Ruyter says
Over the past few weeks, De Ruyter has been criticised for Eskom’s management and the constant blackouts
26 May 2022 - 12:25
byUnathis Nkanjeni
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Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter. File picture: FREDDY MAVUNDA.
Eskom CEO André de Ruyter has hit back at “armchair critics” calling for him to resign as load-shedding continues, saying he will only do so if the utility's board asks him to.
Over the past few weeks, the head of the embattled power utility has been criticised for Eskom’s management and the constant blackouts.
By May 10, Eskom had implemented 32 days of load-shedding in 2022 compared with 26 days over the same period in 2021.
Speaking on eNCA, De Ruyter said he would not be blamed for a “ship that’s been mismanaged over the past 15 years” and “hollowed out by corruption”.
“I’d be the first to say I’ll merrily step back if I feel I’m not making a dent in it, or if there is someone else with the credentials to step into my shoes who can do a better job. I would welcome their offer of assistance immediately, but that person hasn’t yet stepped forward.
“I know there are many armchair critics who delight in being very clever and style themselves as energy experts but, with respect, I don’t think they have the full appreciation of the challenge the job entails.”
De Ruyter said he understood the frustration of many over load-shedding.
“Personally, I am sick and tired of walking into any social gathering and hearing 10 minutes of load-shedding jokes before people move on to the performance of various international sports teams. I take no pleasure in it.”
In April, Eskom board member Busisiwe Mavuso defended De Ruyter during a parliamentary briefing, saying he and the board would not be the “fall guy” for the mess the power utility was experiencing.
Mavuso said it was the ANC-led government’s failures that caused damage at Eskom over the years.
“The reality of the matter is this is not our mess. Everything else, honestly, we cannot be the fall guy for this ANC-led government.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Most don’t appreciate what the job as Eskom CEO entails, André de Ruyter says
Over the past few weeks, De Ruyter has been criticised for Eskom’s management and the constant blackouts
Eskom CEO André de Ruyter has hit back at “armchair critics” calling for him to resign as load-shedding continues, saying he will only do so if the utility's board asks him to.
Over the past few weeks, the head of the embattled power utility has been criticised for Eskom’s management and the constant blackouts.
By May 10, Eskom had implemented 32 days of load-shedding in 2022 compared with 26 days over the same period in 2021.
Speaking on eNCA, De Ruyter said he would not be blamed for a “ship that’s been mismanaged over the past 15 years” and “hollowed out by corruption”.
“I’d be the first to say I’ll merrily step back if I feel I’m not making a dent in it, or if there is someone else with the credentials to step into my shoes who can do a better job. I would welcome their offer of assistance immediately, but that person hasn’t yet stepped forward.
“I know there are many armchair critics who delight in being very clever and style themselves as energy experts but, with respect, I don’t think they have the full appreciation of the challenge the job entails.”
De Ruyter said he understood the frustration of many over load-shedding.
“Personally, I am sick and tired of walking into any social gathering and hearing 10 minutes of load-shedding jokes before people move on to the performance of various international sports teams. I take no pleasure in it.”
In April, Eskom board member Busisiwe Mavuso defended De Ruyter during a parliamentary briefing, saying he and the board would not be the “fall guy” for the mess the power utility was experiencing.
Mavuso said it was the ANC-led government’s failures that caused damage at Eskom over the years.
“The reality of the matter is this is not our mess. Everything else, honestly, we cannot be the fall guy for this ANC-led government.”
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