Target Corruption at Eskom, not Former CEO Andre de Ruyter, says OUTA CEO

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) urges South Africa's Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to shift its focus to unravel corruption at Eskom, instead of pursuing former CEO Andre de Ruyter, who brought light to criminal affairs at the utility firm.

OUTA's CEO, Wayne Duvenage, voiced this during a SABC interview where he stated that De Ruyter has become a scapegoat deflecting attention from those implicated in Eskom's shady activities. De Ruyter has been under the SIU's spotlight for alleged maladministration during his tenure.

While acting as Eskom's CEO in 2021, De Ruyter initiated a private investigation paralleling law enforcement probes into Eskom. This led to the renowned George Fivaz Forensic and Risk (GFFR) organization compiling a report that implicated top government officials in criminal activities within Eskom.

The SIU, however, raised concerns over De Ruyter's unilateral decision to initiate the investigation without the necessary authorities' knowledge or approval. They termed it maladministration and threatened legal action.

Defending the former CEO, Duvenage rejects the misconduct and maladministration accusations, citing that De Ruyter's fiduciary duty encompasses the right to authorize investigations he deemed necessary. Duvenage argued that state institutions frequently employ private firms for investigations without board permission.

Furthermore, Duvenage feels that with the substantial political interference at Eskom, involving the board might have disrupted the process. He warned that the SIU would be embarrassed if they pursued charges against De Ruyter and affirmed that the real concern is the attempt to castigate someone trying to uncover corruption at Eskom, instead of focusing on the actual issue.