- Plans for a just energy transition developed under De Ruyter’s supervision will remain in effect after he leaves Eskom, says Gordhan.
- De Ruyter played a central role in the formation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership with rich countries.
- Gordhan said the country remains committed to reducing emissions.
- For news and analysis on climate change, visit TBEN Climate Future.
Eskom’s just energy transition plans, developed under the supervision of André de Ruyter, will remain in place even after he leaves the utility, Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan said.
The minister spoke at a media briefing on Thursday about De Ruyter’s resignation.
De Ruyter told the media that his position had become untenable. His resignation follows reports from Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, who accuses Eskom of “actively agitating for the overthrow of the state” by not engaging in shedding charges. Mantashe has also been openly critical of De Ruyter’s skills, which he says are not suited to lead the utility.
“Given the recent media reports, I am unfortunately currently in a position in which I do not consider that position tenable,” said De Ruyter.
However, Gordhan and CEO Mpho Makwana expressed their gratitude for De Ruyter’s services to the utility company.
During his term, De Ruyter promoted a vision for Eskom that supported the roll-out of renewables and a just transition.
“The plans developed under André’s leadership regarding the just energy transition remain in place, will continue to be implemented and the first changes regarding the Komati power station… will continue to happen,” said Gordhan.
READ | Exit De Ruyter: concern about energy transition, pledge of 8.5 billion dollars from rich countries
De Ruyter played a crucial role in the creation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership with rich countries – the UK, the US, France, Germany and the EU. Former head of the Eskom Just Energy Transition Office, Mandy Rambharos, said De Ruyter was “a very important figure” on whom lenders placed “credibility”.
Alex Lenferna, Secretary of the Climate Justice Coalition, pointed out that compared to past utility CEOs, De Ruyter was “by leaps and bounds ahead” when it came to pursuing renewables. Lenferna said that both De Ruyter and Rambharos have helped push Eskom to close coal-fired power plants and make way for renewable energy sources accompanied by just transitions.
Lenferna said there are serious concerns about who could replace De Ruyter and whether his successor would follow the same path. Rambharos also pointed out that while renewables and the just transition are part of Eskom’s business strategy, a lot depends on what a new CEO would do. “It depends on the leadership change and whether they support our vision for the JET,” said Rambharos.
Makwana said the board would “stay on track” of the dual strategy of servicing and maintaining the existing fleet while improving the energy availability factor (or performance) of the plants – all while continuing with the just energy transition.
Gordhan said the country as a whole is committed to reducing emissions – as outlined in its nationally determined contribution presented at the UN climate conference COP26 and reaffirmed at COP27.
