De Ruyter’s early departure is concrete evidence of the ANC’s stance on ethical leadership 

23 February 2023    

ActionSA notes with great concern the early departure of André de Ruyter from his post as CEO of Eskom. While Mr de Ruyter, according to his own admission, failed to resolve South Africa’s energy crisis during his tenure as head of Eskom.

We condemn, in the strongest terms, Fikile Mbalula’s vitriolic attack on Mr de Ruyter. While a typical response from someone with Mbalula’s absolute lack of legitimacy to be anywhere near a position of influence, it is sickening that the ANC chooses to attack someone whose reports of corruption and interference have consistently been ignored, not to mention the legitimate attempt to take his life. 

There is no doubt that Mr de Ruyter’s forced and immediate departure is a result of his honest remarks about the ANC and its insistence on using the energy crisis to financially benefit their parasitic patronage network. The Eskom Board’s latest decision removes any doubt of its political independence and proves that it merely serves as another proxy for the ANC’s continued State of Capture-project.

Despite President Ramaphosa’s assurances that the government views resolving the energy crisis as its top priority, it is abundantly clear that the ANC truly has no such intentions. The lack of political support given to Mr de Ruyter and his executive team during his tenure and the consistent attacks by Minister Mantashe is further evidence of a party intent on sacrificing South Africa’s future for its own narrow interests.

This comes as no surprise from a financially mismanaged organisation that is on the brink of bankruptcy. Abandoned by all donors with a hint of common sense, the ANC somehow needs to fund the massive election campaign of empty promises it needs to secure its political future.

This latest development merely entrenches our belief that the ANC will not tolerate ethical leadership, nor honest criticism of the impact of their criminal operations. ActionSA commits itself to providing support to leaders who expose the ANC’s criminality, and call on opposition parties, civil society and the private sector to do the same

The time for South Africans to work together to save our country from the continued looting and destruction by the criminal organisation masquerading as a liberation movement is now.

ActionSA would like to express our appreciation for the dedication, bravery, and sacrifice Mr de Ruyter displayed in exceptionally challenging circumstances.

We also thank Mr de Ruyter for showing that there are indeed ethical leaders in South Africa that are willing to lend their expertise in attempts to solve South Africa’s most pressing challenges. ActionSA will always encourage and empower non-political leaders and experts to play their role in advancing South Africa’s shared interests.

Issued by Herman Mashaba, ActionSA leader, 23 February 2023