Truth to Power

My Three Years Inside Eskom

De: André de Ruyter

Narrado por: Nicky Rebelo

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

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.

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.

Insightful and thought provoking

Thank you to the author for the insights in this book. The honesty really helps provide some context to the nonsensical news reports that we’ve lived with in the last few years.

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.

What a brave and forthright person the author is in telling his story. Much to be admired about his character.

Took a bit to get use to the accent and I chose to listen on speed 1.5.

Awesome book!

One can only wish everyone in South Africa will read this.

André, we salute you!

Dankie Andre!

Boeiend vanaf die 1ste bladsy. Geskryf met soveel duidelikheid sodat Jan Alleman ook kan verstaan alle terme. Verewig beindruk met sy dapperheid en leierskap.
Die verteller se stem voel ek was te oud maar die inhoud maak op daarvoor!
Beveel aan dat elke Suid Afrikaner die boek lees, dit open jou perspektief! Dankie Andrè!

The Man in the Arena

An absolute must listen. This is a fascinating insight into his 3 years at Eskom. And he leaves a positive legacy.

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.