Eskom CEO Andre De Ruyter has tested positive for Covid-19. The utility’s spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha told MyBroadband that the 52-year-old De Ruyter tested positive for the virus last week. Mantshantsha said that the CEO was fine and has not experienced any complications from the infection.
He added that De Ruyter has been working from home, like all Eskom employees who can work remotely, since the pandemic hit and South Africa was placed on lockdown in March 2020.
The CEO earlier this week responded to questions from MyBroadband about his home’s backup power solution for load-shedding. Due to his condition, he has withdrawn from two conferences where he was expected to speak this week.
The news about De Ruyter comes after two former Eskom executives died from Covid-19 in the last two months. Jabu Mabuza, who was renowned as a businessman and served on Eskom’s board of directors between January 2018 and January 2020, passed away on 16 June 2021 at the age of 63.
During his last months at the utility, Mabuza served as Eskom chairperson and acting CEO following the departure of former Group CEO Phakamani Hadebe. Almost one month after Mabuza’s passing, Dr Ben Ngubane, who was Eskom board chairperson between March 2015 and June 2017, died of Covid-19 at the age of 79 after being admitted to Melomed Richard Bay private hospital.
Ngubane previously also held various positions in government, including as KwaZulu-Natal health MEC, South Africa’s ambassador to Japan, and minister of arts and culture. He also served on the SABC board and at the Land Bank.
In other news – #RIPSindiButhelezi: Former Generation actress Sindi Buthelezi has died
Sindi Buthelezi, a former actor on the soap Generations, has died. Phil Mphela, an entertainment expert, has stated that the 32-year-old actress has died.
Sindi has always had a passion for acting. She used to do plays in community halls to keep people entertained while also showing and honing her acting skills. Learn more
Source: mybroadband
