Speaking to OFM Business Hour, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sacci, Alan Mukoki, says that they still stand by their viewpoint that the problems at Eskom are not caused by certain individuals but rather the entire ecosystem around it, and that must be looked into.

Mukoki’s comment comes on the heels of Eskom confirming that its Group CEO, André de Ruyter, has handed in his resignation.

While he will remain as the leader of the group until 31 March 2023, Mukoki states that Eskom needs to have a very clear outline that stipulates the issues impacting its operations so a proper diagnosis can be made.

"If the ecosystem around Eskom is not looked at properly, then we will always have this 'merry-go-round' where CEOs are frequently changed while the Board is also being changed time and again."

ALSO READ: André de Ruyter resigns as Eskom chief executive 

De Ruyter resigned on Wednesday, 14 December 2022, while South Africa was at stage five load-shedding.

Mukoki says certain individuals can be removed and others can be put in power, but that does not mean the problem will go away.

"The ecosystem around Eskom that must be looked into starts from governance, which includes cabinet’s roles in how Eskom operates; from there, the issues of operations and technology; the issue of funding; and the relationships and the interrelationships in the organisation between staff members and the executive management," says Mukoki.

He also adds that what should be looked into is also the issue pertaining to suppliers and customers, and in particular the suppliers and what exactly it is that they supply to Eskom.

ALSO READ: No timeline when blackouts will end: Ramaphosa 

In addition to the confirmation that De Ruyter will be stepping down as CEO, the group said that there is no plan in place for the Chairperson to become interim CEO while they  are searching for a suitably qualified candidate.

"De Ruyter will stay for an additional period while we embark on an urgent search for his successor," said Eskom Board Chairperson, Mpho Makwana.

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has a different viewpoint from Sacci.

Numsa’s national spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, says the energy availability factor is the lowest it has ever been since de Ruyter has been CEO.

"When De Ruyter started at Eskom, he claimed he could end load-shedding in 18 months. Unfortunately, we have experienced the worst load-shedding in the history of Eskom. De Ruyter’s gross incompetence is the reason we have such shockingly high levels of rolling blackouts," she adds.

They are also of the view that De Ruyter’s successor must have an engineering background and work for Eskom so that that person can understand all the technical aspects of the business.

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