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Truth to Power
- My Three Years Inside Eskom
- Narrated by: Nicky Rebelo
- Length: 13 hrs and 9 mins
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Truth to Power
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Summary
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.
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What listeners say about Truth to Power
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- madjuba
- 12-12-23
André, joú yster!
I can not recommend this book more highly. I have a somewhat vested interest in South Africa as a Saffa living abroad with close family still in SA. André's insider's view was absolutely fascinating and terrifying in the same instance. The scope and scale of the power issue nestled within the vast landscape of gangster like crime and absolute corruption left me stunned.
I have acquired a new item to my bucket list. Would love to 'skud blad' with Andre in my lifetime!
SPOILER ALERT: If, like Andre, you view renewables as a legitimate alternative to coal, gas & oil you will have reason for hope and optimism. If however, like me, you don't there is little to no hope painted here for SA to someday have a reliable and stable energy grid.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 19-11-23
Great listen
Excellent book! Great exposure it just confirms how deep the rot has set in! I don’t think we will know everything. Scary.
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- Gerbo D
- 30-01-24
A great listen
This book was thought provoking and insightful, I've at times gotten completely hooked, listening for much longer than intended. Overall I throughly enjoyed it.
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- p.b
- 03-12-23
corruption at its best and Anc 30 years of lies
I take my hat off to the big man ,I would have told them to go swing let them deplete the country of everything blame it on everybody but themselves, which is typical of the sitting government past presidents done for corruption and his mate Ace.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 17-07-23
Wow
Andre, you are a legend! The world needs more people like you. Thank you for standing up for what is right
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- Vorn Jones
- 07-08-23
Loved it, interesting and factual
If only he could run the country! You were set up for failure sir and performed above and beyond their expectations
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- Heather Brownlee
- 18-09-23
An eye opener
What a brave man the author is! He has shown incredible courage. I salute you! Love his analogies, too.
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- Nicholas
- 18-11-23
Story of a national hero
Andre is a national hero. Someone who had stepped into the ring of Eskom’s troubles and given selflessly of his time, energy and much needed skills. He has risked his life and made significant sacrifices, not for any personal gain but simply to make a contribution to the betterment of 60 million South Africans. He’s a special human being with a truly altruistic mindset and a deeply patriotic motivation. An insightful account of his time at the helm at Eskom, with plenty of well formulated solutions for the county’s electricity crisis and it’s leadership crisis.
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- Hayley R
- 11-12-23
Insightful about the true state of our nation for all South Africans
Well written & read, informative & well worth the listen! I hope those who hear it ensure they vote for change.
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