Truth to Power

My Three Years Inside Eskom

By: André de Ruyter

Narrated by: Nicky Rebelo

Length: 13 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

When André de Ruyter took over as Eskom CEO in January 2020, he quickly realised why it was considered the toughest job in South Africa.

Aside from neglected equipment, ageing power stations and an eroded skills base, he discovered that Eskom was crippled by corruption on a staggering scale. Fake fuel oil deliveries at just one power station cost Eskom R100 million per month; kneepads retailing for R150 a pair were purchased for R80 000; billions of rands of equipment supposedly housed in the company’s storerooms was missing.

Faced with police inaction, he was compelled to plunge into a world that was foreign to him – a world of spies and safe houses, of bulletproof vests and bodyguards. In Truth to Power, De Ruyter tells the behind-the-scenes story of how he launched a private investigation that exposed at least four criminal cartels feeding off Eskom. While fighting this scourge, he had to deal with political interference, absurd regulations, non-paying municipalities, unfounded accusations of racism, wildcat strikes, sabotage and a poisoning attempt.

De Ruyter takes the listener inside the boardrooms and government meetings where South Africa’s future is shaped, with ministers often pulling in conflicting directions. He explains how renewable energy is the cheapest and quickest solution to our power crisis, in spite of fierce opposition from vested coal interests.

De Ruyter candidly reflects on his three years at the power utility, his successes and failures, his reasons for leaving and his hopes for the future. As someone who worked at the highest levels of the state but is not beholden to the ruling party, he is uniquely placed to speak truth to power.

©2023 LAPA Publishers (P)2023 LAPA Publishers

Incredibly insightful

Honest, witty and insightful in regards to the state of Eskom and the people on the inside. On the other hand incredibly sad to realise that it might be at a point of no return.
A very good listen and an important story to be told.

The ANC and its links to corruption: key insights for all South Africans

Incredible story of the arrogance of the ANC and its refusal to make decisions that will build a better life for all. An important read before you vote in 2024.

What an eye opener.

Finally someone has told the truth about what is happening in this state-owned utility.
Just shocking.

Very well written and loved the insight and whit.

Must Listen

Everyone is SA must read / listen to this book. It is an eye opener regarding load shedding and the government

Excellent book

Highly recommend this book. Even if you are not entirely interested in Eskom, any South African will enjoy this book.

What a man!

Loved this booked as you can never believe the media. The book is very honest and educational. What a great shame that this leader was forced out.

What a scary eye opener....

Power to the Truth!
I feel grateful towards what Andre did for our country.
What is going to happen to this TRUTH?

Honest review of the challenges faced

Great insights into the frustrations of dealing with a political party with internal divisions and lack of trust.

Absolutely what is expected and easy to listen to!

I thoroughly enjoyed the book! Mr De Ruyter boasts a sense of humour that is so unique to the Afrikaner who wants to make a difference without taking himself too seriously. Well done! All the whiles reading about our beloved country's down fall I listened with a smile on my face.

The telling of his 3 years in Eskom, was captivating to listen to. Unfortunately most of what I heard did not come as a surprise but rather as a suspicion confirmed. Everyone knows how corrupt the SA government is, and those directly involved believes they are untouchable, that they are clever as hell and that the rest of the world will not take note. This book sets the record straight and hopefully it will bring the justice it is worthy of.

I sincerely hope to read another book written by Mr de Ruyter in the not too distant future.

I award the truth spoken in this book an extra star, giving it 6!

Just Sad | Political Corruption | Coal vs Renewables

Sad tale of corruption on every level and how a good man tried to save a company that once was the pride of Africa. It was like swimming up stream or more like a tsunami of corruption coming towards you. Eskom will never come right, too many hands in the pot, unable to make a safe transition from coal to renewable energies. A sad revolving door of CEO’s going against organized crime with govt and police in their back pockets - SA will never be the country it came become without consistent flow of electricity.