Generosity in the Face of Loss: Former Eskom CEO Reimburses Graffiti Books
Former Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter, has demonstrated his generosity by reimbursing Graffiti Books, a Pretoria bookshop, after 15 copies of his latest book were stolen. The book, "Truth To Power: My Three Years Inside Eskom," was published by Penguin Random House in May and retails for R340.
Former Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter, has demonstrated his generosity by reimbursing Graffiti Books, a Pretoria bookshop, after 15 copies of his latest book were stolen. The book, “Truth To Power: My Three Years Inside Eskom,” was published by Penguin Random House in May and retails for R340.
A Significant Heist
On June 1st, a thief walked into Graffiti Books and made off with 15 copies of “Truth To Power,” resulting in a loss of over R5000 for the bookshop. The incident was particularly devastating for the small business, located in Montana north of Pretoria.
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A Tell-All Book
“Truth To Power” provides readers with an insider’s perspective on the operations and challenges of Eskom during de Ruyter’s three-year tenure as CEO.
A Targeted Theft
Leonie van Rensburg, the store’s owner, believed that the book was specifically targeted due to the large quantity stolen. She expressed her powerlessness in the face of the crime.
An Act of Generosity
However, within days of the incident, de Ruyter contacted van Rensburg and offered to reimburse the store with 15 new copies of his book. His act of kindness generated widespread admiration and praise.
A Heartwarming Tale
The story of de Ruyter’s generosity serves as an inspiring example of resilience and goodwill, demonstrating the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of adversity.
The theft of 15 copies of “Truth To Power” from Graffiti Books was a disheartening event, but de Ruyter’s decision to reimburse the store with new copies of his book has transformed it into a heartwarming tale of generosity and human connection. His act of kindness serves as a poignant reminder of the power of empathy, understanding, and support in times of struggle.
Lerato Mokena is a Cape Town-based journalist who covers the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene with a focus on emerging voices from Khayelitsha to the Bo-Kaap. Born and raised at the foot of Table Mountain, she brings an insider’s eye to how creativity shapes—and is shaped by—South Africa’s complex social landscape. When she’s not chasing stories, Lerato can be found surfing Muizenberg’s gentle waves or debating politics over rooibos in her grandmother’s Gugulethu kitchen.
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