“With immediate effect” is one phrase one hears almost all the time in a military junta. When it is used in a civilian context, though, it means that something is seriously amiss and the people really have to pay attention.
The news is that Andre de Ruyter has been relieved of his post as chief executive officer (CEO) of Eskom, South Africa’s energy utility, with immediate effect. This new development is especially interesting because there had been campaigns to have de Ruyter exit the post but he held on to it. Also, at some point, it was stated that he had resigned.
Amid the whole resignation drama, he was said to have become a victim of food poisoning. Cyanide was allegedly dropped in his coffee but it wasn’t sufficient to kill him. He was rushed to the hospital, where he soon recovered.
Well, following a recent meeting the Eskom board, which had apparently given a notice to de Ruyter, noted that he would not be required to serve the remainder of his notice period but will be released from his position as chief executive with immediate effect.
At the time of writing, the embattled former CEO is yet to say anything about the board’s verdict.
