Former Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter, faces questions at a SCOPA hearing over his allegations of corruption at the power utility, where he claimed that a “high level” politician was involved and that Eskom was a “feeding trough” for the ANC. Image: Screenshot from video.
SCOPA invites Gordhan, law enforcement agencies to flesh out de Ruyter allegations
De Ruyter refused to name the high-level politicians allegedly involved in Eskom corruption in Parliament but said he informed Gordhan and the Hawks.
Former Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter, faces questions at a SCOPA hearing over his allegations of corruption at the power utility, where he claimed that a “high level” politician was involved and that Eskom was a “feeding trough” for the ANC. Image: Screenshot from video.
Following Wednesday’s meeting with former Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter, Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) will invite several parties he mentioned in his submissions to gain more insight into the alleged corruption at the power utility.
SCOPA to invite various parties for questioning in Eskom corruption probe
De Ruyter was invited to appear before the Committee to shed light on startling allegations he made about ANC involvement in corruption at the power utility in a televised interview earlier this year.
Members of the Committee pressed de Ruyter for the names of politicians allegedly involved in the criminal activities at Eskom. He refused and said he did not want to expose himself to legal action or security risks.
READ: De Ruyter’s allegations based on unsubstantiated claims by apartheid-era spy – report
De Ruyter, however, told SCOPA he revealed the name of the “high level” politician allegedly involved to Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan and Security Advisor to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Dr Sydney Mufamadi. The former CEO said these individuals would be better placed to answer the Committee’s questions. He also indicated that he fully cooperated with law enforcement.
“He indicated that he reported the identity of a high-ranking politician as well as individuals he referred to in his interview as allegedly involved in criminal activities in Eskom to Mr Gordhan, Dr Mufamadi and the HAWKS,” said SCOPA Chairperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
READ: SCOPA frustrated: De Ruyter refuses to drop names in Parliament
Due to his reservations about answering questions, SCOPA told de Ruyter that Parliament was able to offer him protection against any litigation through the Powers and Privileges provision. He declined the offer, saying he did not want to jeopardise ongoing law enforcement investigations.
“The committee believes that Mr de Ruyter missed an opportunity to take the nation into his confidence on these matters,” said Hlengwa.
SCOPA plans to invite Gordhan, Mufamadi, the Eskom Board, the State Security Agency, the Hawks, NPA, SIU and SAPS to elaborate on de Ruyter’s submissions on Wednesday. “The committee plans to meet these cited parties to get more information on the allegations made by Mr de Ruyter.”
The Committee will also ask law enforcement agencies for a progress report on cases de Ruyter said he reported in April 2022.
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