De Ruyter resigns as Eskom CEO amid load shedding crisis
Eskom CEO André de Ruyter has resigned after some two years at the helm of the troubled power utility.
De Ruyter's resignation comes as the county suffers through stage 5 load shedding.
His departure also following mounting criticism from ministers and other sectors of society over Eskom's inability to keep the lights on.
Last week, Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe launched a scathing attack on the power utility's leadership, saying: "Eskom, by not attending to load shedding, is actively agitating for the overthrow of the state."
On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa met with the energy cluster to discuss the power crisis.
Solidarity's Connie Mulder says De Ruyter's resignation will only serve to fuel Eskom's woes.
"The problem at Eskom is not the CEO's operational will but the government's political will. The best person in the country can be appointed to the position, but the current political dispensation makes it an impossible task for the person.
"The politicians looked for a scapegoat to hide their own incompetence and exerted incredible pressure on De Ruyter. Instead of doing the right thing, the politicians sacrificed De Ruyter for the sake of their politics.
"De Ruyter stood on the oxygen line feeding corruption. Those who want to loot more exerted the most pressure for him to resign. Bigger corruption post De Ruyter is a real danger.
"Drastic political changes are called for. The current government and the ministers involved do not have the ability to bring about the political changes that are required."
Eskom has not been available for comment.
