Nod of approval for new head

The government’s choice for the new Eskom boss has been received favourably by the experts, who agree that Andre de Ruyter is the perfect and capable man for the job at hand at the ailing power utility.

De Ruyter, according to Bloomberg, is armed with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pretoria, a master of business administration from the Nyenrode Business Universiteit in the Netherlands and a master of laws degree from the University of SA (Unisa).

“[De Ruyter] has extensive experience in managing big organisations like Sasol and Nampak and is a turnaround specialist,” said Professor Kobus Jonker, director at Tshwane University of Technology’s business school.

He said De Ruyter’s experience at Nampak was relevant as it created a typical strategic turnaround situation only few chief executives could pull off.

Jonker said the fact that De Ruyter had no energy sector background will enable him to bring in some fresh paradigms.

He added that De Ruyter possesses the requisite competencies and experience to turn Eskom around, adding that his biggest challenge will be to formulate and execute a strategy that will make the envisaged three units economically viable and profitable.

Professor Jannie Rossouw, head of School of Economic and Business Sciences at the University of Witwatersrand, said De Ruyter possessed the skills, attitude and backing required to turn around Eskom.

However, he said De Ruyter could only succeed in his task if there was no interference.

“He must be allowed to take tough decisions without any political interference,” said Rossouw.

Dr Kenneth Creamer, economist at the University of Witwatersrand, said De Ruyter will need to work with a low budget in transforming Eskom.