Former Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter has come under fire after it was revealed that he commissioned a privately funded covert surveillance operation into the embattled power utility. The operation was conducted by George Fivaz Forensic & Risk and involved unvetted operatives who had unrestricted access to sensitive information without the knowledge of government institutions, including parliament, the State Security Agency (SSA), and the Public Enterprise’s department.
De Ruyter is accused of circumventing SSA protocols that are essential to initiate an operation of that scale, with the former Eskom CEO allegedly ducking mandatory vetting processes throughout his tenure. The investigation was a risk to Eskom, according to Sakhumzi Moyo, a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), as de Ruyter was not properly vetted by the SSA.
Speaking at Scopa, de Ruyter confirmed that Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) CEO and former Eskom board member Busisiwe Mavuso knew of the investigation. Mavuso confirmed that BLSA paid R18 million for the investigation.
Although parliament wants to question the SSA regarding the potentially illegal operation, the minister in the presidency responsible for state security, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said that the SSA did not know about the investigation.
De Ruyter was repeatedly questioned about the identities of a senior minister and another high-ranking politician who he previously alleged were aware of entrenched corruption at the power utility. However, de Ruyter said that he could not name the individuals as it posed a security risk to himself and could create legal issues.
Public Enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan will speak to Scopa in the coming weeks to address de Ruyter’s allegations. In addition, the security advisor to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Dr Sydney Mufamadi, will also speak before Scopa.
The scandal has raised concerns about corruption and illegal surveillance in South Africa’s public institutions, with calls for more transparency and accountability. The investigation has also put the spotlight on the troubled state-owned power utility Eskom, which has been plagued by financial and operational problems for years.
The controversy has sparked international interest, with investors and stakeholders closely watching the developments and the potential impact on South Africa’s economy. The scandal could also have implications for other state-owned enterprises and the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
