Truth to Power
My Three Years Inside Eskom
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from Wish List failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $22.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Nicky Rebelo
-
By:
-
André de Ruyter
About this listen
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.
©2023 LAPA Publishers (P)2023 LAPA PublishersWhat listeners say about Truth to Power
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Bruce Nixon
- 13-08-2023
Fantastic Story and really well written.
As someone born in South Africa and who follows South African politics and current affairs closely I was likely to always buy this book given how dominant Eskom is to the current South African daily discourse. The story was as interesting as I thought it would be. It really did exceed my expectations though. I thought the way this book was written and structured was very well done. It was riveting and really kept my attention. I am so glad that Andre De Ruyter had the guts to write this book and I hope its message will continue to pile pressure on those in control of Eskom (the ANC) to do the right thing for the South African people and not just themselves. Last point, is that even for those not focused on South Africa per se, this is a great standalone business biography that highlights the destructive role that political corruption plays in harming many nations around the world. Great read!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Simon
- 05-07-2024
Interesting to a point
Not being from South Africa, I felt distanced from the many power outages faced in this country. However, I learnt so much and can now appreciate much more how rampant bureaucracy and corruption led to the doom of the electricity industry in SA. At times I found the story a little self indulgent and longer than it needed to be. My attention was not always grabbed and I would wonder sometimes if it was one-sided. Certainly educational though.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Damian Murphy
- 18-09-2023
Unbelievable
Very well written. An insightful look inside Eskom. There is a balance to this book I wasn’t expecting. Not too much finger pointing, taking accountability where it was warranted and a dire, yet somehow optimistic look at the future of Eskom, and South Africa. Read it and weep, then breathe in and realise it could end up being okay.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Paul
- 23-12-2023
A crucial book by a very brave man
This book is very very important for all of South Africa to read and know about. How such a fundamental institution of South Africa is so messed up and the causes behind it...
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- kate
- 11-04-2024
Frank and honest.
the aphorisms irritated me but that is really just a matter of style. it's well written and honest. A very good read and I a very brave disclosure, as a South African I appreciate the sacrifice he has made.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Alan M
- 03-07-2024
Highly Informative
A real eye opener and an enormous challenge that, hopefully South Africa can overcome in the next decade.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!