South Africa’s state-owned power utility Eskom has appointed a new CEO following the departure of the previous one following an interview in which he accused the ruling party of corruption.
In a statement, the company announced the appointment of Calib Cassim, chief financial officer, as interim CEO “with immediate effect” to replace André de Ruyter.
“Until further notice, Mr. Cassim will lead the Eskom management team,” it said.
Mr. De Ruyter, who was due to leave in a month, accused the ANC party of using Eskom as a “feeding trough” in a damning interview with a local TV station.
He also claimed that coal deals at the utility benefited unnamed senior government officials, including a minister.
The accusations have been dismissed by the party.
His remarks appeared to have prompted his early departure.
In recent days, South Africa has experienced up to 12 hours of scheduled power outages due to the country’s power crisis.
