The electricity giant Eskom has again implemented rolling blackouts since Saturday. Officially blamed on maintenance problems, but the wound runs much deeper and Eskom continues to threaten South Africa's broader economy. The company's new CEO will attempt to turn things around starting this Monday.

Appointed last November, Andre de Ruyter has accepted the most unpopular position in South Africa. Because his task is simply herculean.

First, he must restore a sick and bloated company, whose debt alone represents more than 15% of South Africa's GDP. Second, he has been ordered to downsize, restructure, and potentially gradually privatize the company—an undertaking that is nearly impossible given the current union backlash at Eskom.

He begins work Monday, a week earlier than planned. An early start prompted by the new electricity cuts that have been occurring since Saturday. They are officially attributed to a faulty belt drive according to Eskom.

An explanation that sits lightly with South Africans, who have voiced their exasperation on social media, as they wrap up their summer holidays this week.

Many are pointing the finger at Cyril Ramaphosa, the president, who had promised that no rolling blackouts would occur in January. A promise left unfulfilled. His second promise will be tested in March, the date by which he assured that Eskom's aging network will be completely operational.