The African National Congress (ANC) on Sunday said it will file criminal charges against former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter if he fails to report corruption allegations within seven days.
ANC members are suspected of being involved in Eskom corruption
This comes after De Ruyter’s explosive television interview earlier this week in which he said the ANC was involved in corruption at Eskom.
De Ruyter said he approached the minister about his concerns and the minister’s response was: “I think it’s unthinkable that this will come out”.
It has since been revealed that this minister is Pravin Gordhan.
Also read: De Ruyter tells Gordhan about corruption as two ministers ‘involved’ in Eskom probe
In the interview, the former Eskom CEO also said that mafia-like cartels operate in the electricity utility in Mpumalanga.
The ANC told De Ruyter to lay charges
The ANC ignored De Ruyter’s accusations. The ruling party said it was consulting its legal team over the claim.
It also asked the former Eskom CEO to drop criminal charges and provide evidence to law enforcement agencies.
“We repeat our call to Mr. De Ruyter to press criminal charges, with verifiable details of serious allegations, for law enforcement agencies to investigate, and if appropriate, prosecute those who have a case to answer, including members of the ANC or the public. representatives who have committed two offenses Republic law also prescripts the ANC Constitution and the oath of members,” said ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.
Bhengu-Motsiri added that it is “illegal for any person in authority not to report acts or information about corruption or criminality”.
“Until now, the ANC is not aware of anything that Mr. De Ruyter has done in this regard. The ANC is asking Mr. De Ruyter to fulfill his constitutional and legal obligations to formally report to the police any criminal and illegal activities that he is aware of within the next seven days,” said Bhengu- Motsiri.
The ANC says that if De Ruyter does not do this, it will file charges against him.
“Mr De Ruyter’s failure to deliver this information and report in accordance with his obligations will result in the ANC charging section 34 against him.”
READ ALSO: ATM asks De Ruyter to appear in Parliament to spill the beans on Eskom corruption
Mbalula calls De Ruyter a ‘failure’
The latest barrage by the ANC against the former Eskom CEO comes after party secretary-general Fikile Mbalula on Thursday labeled De Ruyter a “naysayer” and a “failure”.
He also accused De Ruyter of pursuing politics.
“Opportunistic efforts in the political arena have exposed a regressive political agenda and ideology. If he wants to be a political player and undermine the efforts of patriotic South Africans – then he said it publicly and announced it so that everyone knows who he is aligned with.
“CEOs of any entity, including Eskom, should not engage in open political debates or statements, and where they hold political views, they should be kept private so that they do not know. [deflect] attention from professional work,” said Mbalula.
Mbalula said De Ruyter was appointed to transform Eskom but was unsuccessful.
“Instead, they changed the goalposts by advertising a right-wing ideological posture on matters outside the scope of the employment contract.”
“We also reject the unfortunate, irresponsible, and baseless claims of political interference and corruption in power utilities. They are now trying to blame their own shortcomings on others.
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