Moneyweb
Social media has exploded with reaction to the reported resignation of Andre de Ruyter as CEO of embattled power utility Eskom.
Build One South Africa founder Mmusi Maimane was the first to suggest, around lunchtime on Wednesday, that De Ruyter had thrown in the towel.
By late afternoon, De Ruyter's resignation was top trending on Twitter - even though his departure had yet to be officially confirmed by Eskom - with many welcoming his departure due to incompetence and failure to keep the lights on.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa said it was 'overjoyed' at the news that the worst CEO in the history of Eskom’s existence had finally decided to do the right thing
and resign.
NUMSA stated that when Andre De Ruyter started at Eskom, he claimed he could end loadshedding in 18 months.
"Unfortunately, we have experienced the worst loadshedding in the history of Eskom," said NUMSA. "Andre De Ruyter's gross incompetence is the reason we have such shockingly high
levels of rolling blackouts."
However, others said De Ruyter had lost the backing of President Cyril Ramaphosa who again showed his 'true colours' by supporting Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe and Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan instead.
Another observer cautioned that a new CEO would not solve Eskom's problems as half of the power utility's aging coal fleet was virtually a write-off while government had done very little, if anything, to add new generation capacity.
"If you seriously believe Eskom is buggered because of Andre de Ruyter, you probably also believe in fire pools, medical parole, ANC renewal, cash buffalo sales and the power of socialism," noted another user on Twitter.
The DA said in its its reaction that De Ruyter's apparent sudden resignation as the CEO of Eskom was a reflection on Gwede Mantashe's relentless campaign against a man who despite having one hand tied behind his back as he 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.
Business Unity South Africa also weighed in on the development and said De Ruyter's resignation was a major blow for Eskom and the efforts to address the energy crisis the country is currently facing.
BUSA said while this is a blow, it is hardly surprising, given the irresponsible comments by some in government and other sectors.
It urged President Ramaphosa to rise above the issues in the ANC and lead the country in urgently responding to this crisis.
Busa also called on the Eskom Board to act with urgency to announce a replacement for De Ruyter, even if on a temporary basis.
