The announcement of Eskom CEO André de Ruyter stepping down at the end of March brought with it questions and assumptions.

Some of these were addressed at a media briefing held today.

Meanwhile, the Eskom Board says there are no plans for board chairperson Mpho Makwana to become interim CEO. Instead, a comprehensive executive search will be conducted to find De Ruyter’s replacement, including relooking at candidates who applied when De Ruyter was appointed.

De Ruyter took the reins of the embattled power utility on January 15, 2020, and in the months since has faced backlash from South Africans – and a minister – as the ailing power utility battled to keep the lights on.

In a scathing attack at a signing agreement for 13 new independent power projects last Thursday, Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe accused De Ruyter of ‘actively agitating for the overthrow of the state’.

Despite this, at today’s briefing, the 51-year-old said it was an ‘honour and privilege to lead Eskom’.

“I am disappointed that I could not achieve all the objectives I’ve set myself. Due to media reports, I no longer view myself to be in a tenable position. I have decided to step back to allow Eskom to appoint someone who is more suitable and better equipped,” he explained, adding that he did not resign to take up another job offer.

Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan addressed questions from the media about Mantashe’s comment and the seeming lack of support by the board for De Ruyter.

“There are termites in the system. In time, they will be identified and find their rightful place in orange uniforms,” he said. Gordhan said it is his wish that all relevant stakeholders work towards the greater good to restore Eskom to ‘its former glory’.

Gordhan slams Mantashe’s comment

About De Ruyter being called a traitor, Gordhan’s emphatic answer was ‘no’.

“It is unfair and uncalled for to use such language to describe someone who tried his utmost best to get Eskom out of the mess it is in.”

Gordhan said the public should note that the troubles De Ruyter had to address did not start with his tenure and that ‘there is a long list of people to blame’.

In response to questions from the media about why government failed to defend De Ruyter after Mantashe’s remarks, he said: “Public spats and differences are not always necessary to discourage unhelpful statements.”

In a statement yesterday, Gordhan said that De Ruyter ‘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 said that ‘all Eskom programmes will continue as business continuity is of primary importance for the country’.

Matla fire

De Ruyter touched on the fire at Mpumalanga-based Matla Power Station. Videos of the blaze showing smoke billowing into the sky were shared via social media yesterday.

“There was a fire at unit six on the fuel oil dispensary system. There are no indications of foul play but, as always, an investigation is underway. The damage is mainly to cabling and there is no structural damage.”

A return-to-service date is yet to be determined, but De Ruyter said Eskom’s maintenance team is ‘working around the clock’.