Description
Truth to Power by André de Ruyter is a memoir of his three years as CEO of Eskom, from his appointment in January 2020 to his departure from the power utility. De Ruyter describes the problems he encountered inside Eskom, including ageing infrastructure, a loss of skills, financial pressures and what he describes as widespread corruption. He also recounts the increasingly serious security concerns that arose as he became involved in investigating criminal activity within the utility.
The book takes readers behind the scenes of De Ruyter’s efforts to investigate alleged corruption and criminal cartels operating around Eskom, as well as the political and organisational obstacles he says he encountered. He discusses sabotage, political interference, non-paying municipalities, industrial action, threats to his security and the poisoning attempt he says he survived. He also reflects on his own successes and failures, his reasons for leaving Eskom and his views on the future of South Africa’s electricity supply. The book contains serious allegations about corruption and political interference; these are presented as De Ruyter’s account and claims.
A good choice for readers interested in Eskom, South African business and public affairs, corruption investigations, energy policy and first-hand accounts of running a major state-owned enterprise.
