Update:
Following the exit of former CEO André de Ruyter, Eskom announced on Friday morning that Calib Cassim would take over as the power company’s interim group CEO with immediate effect and until further notice.
It is unclear whether Cassim will take the position permanently.
Cassim became Eskom’s chief financial officer in November 2018 after serving as the national power utility’s acting CFO since July 2017.
He is a registered chartered accountant (SA) with a master’s degree in business leadership, Eskom said in a statement.
“With over 20 years of service in Eskom, his qualifications and extensive experience have provided Mr. Cassim with a deep understanding and appreciation of the Eskom business and the electricity industry, especially regarding the challenges facing the financing of operations and future expansion of the industry,” said spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha.
The appointment comes two days after de Ruyter stepped down from the company with immediate effect following his controversial eTV interview.
Update:
Following an interview in which Andre de Ruyter exposed widespread crime and corruption at Eskom, the former Eskom CEO announced that he will leave South Africa for a while to ensure his safety.
In January, De Ruyter revealed that there had been an attempt on his life in December 2022. Doctors discovered high cyanide levels in his blood after he complained of feeling dizzy and disoriented at the office.
When asked about the poisoning, he said it was difficult to guess who was behind the assassination attempt, alluding to the fact that there was a long list of people who had motives.
His ENCA interview has ruffled the feathers of many powerful people.
As reported by the Daily Investor, when asked whether he is concerned that he may be murdered for speaking out, De Ruyter said he plans to spend time abroad after leaving Eskom.
“I think that will be good for my health,” the former Eskom CEO said.
Eskom GCE Andre de Ruyter has stepped down with immediate effect following a special board meeting on Wednesday, 22 February, 2023.
Also read: MPs call to have Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter and entire board sacked
The power utility announced in a statement on Wednesday evening that De Ruyter would be vacating his office after it was resolved at the meeting that he would remain in the position until 28 February and not 31 March as initially planned. However, he is not expected to serve his notice period.
“He will be released from his position with immediate effect,” Eskom said in a statement.
“Following the convening of a special Board meeting on 22 February 2023, the Eskom Board and Group Chief Executive (GCE) Andrè de Ruyter have reached mutual agreement to curtail his notice period to 28 February 2023,” Eskom said in a media statement.
“The board further resolved that Mr de Ruyter will not be required to serve the balance of his notice period but that he will be released from his position with immediate effect.”
“Acting GCE arrangements are being finalized with the shareholder Minister and will be communicated shortly,” Eskom said.
Speaking to eTV on Monday evening, De Ruyter said there was widespread corruption being engineered by top politicians from the ANC, who are meddling with the ailing power utility.
He made the shocking revelation that undisclosed members of the ANC and government at the highest levels knew about the corruption taking place at Eskom, adding that the utility served as a “feeding trough” for the governing party.
De Ruyter says that a minister talked to him about a high-ranking politician who was doing strange and possibly illegal things at the utility.
He also claimed criminal syndicates in Mpumalanga were stealing around R1 billion a month from Eskom and nothing much was being done about it.
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Picture: @CueSibiya / Twitter
