By Thuita Gatero,
City Power, Johannesburg’s electricity utility, is teetering on the edge of collapse, plagued by allegations of mismanagement, fraudulent qualifications, and questionable appointments. Recent investigations have exposed a troubling pattern of systemic failures within the organization, raising serious concerns about its ability to deliver reliable electricity to millions of residents.
As the city grapples with frequent outages and mounting financial losses, the spotlight has turned to the root causes of City Power’s decline: fake credentials among senior managers and a recruitment process that appears to prioritize connections over competence.
The unraveling began with reports that City Power has been hemorrhaging billions of rands due to mismanagement, particularly in its procurement department. Sources indicate that the utility’s financial woes are compounded by an “illegal” recruitment process that has allowed unqualified individuals to secure high-ranking positions.
One senior manager’s qualifications were called into question when the University of South Africa (Unisa) denied ever issuing the degree they claimed to hold. This revelation has sparked outrage among stakeholders who see it as emblematic of deeper rot within the organization.
City Power’s troubles are not new. For years, Johannesburg residents have endured erratic electricity supply, with load shedding and unplanned outages becoming a fact of life. Businesses have suffered, households have been left in the dark, and public frustration has reached a boiling point.
At the heart of the issue is a recruitment system that appears to favor patronage over merit. Allegations suggest that senior positions have been filled through backdoor deals, with candidates lacking the technical expertise or experience needed to manage a complex utility like City Power.
The procurement department, responsible for handling contracts worth billions, has been singled out as a hotspot for mismanagement. Reports of irregular expenditure and inflated contracts have fueled suspicions that the department is being exploited for personal gain, further eroding public trust.
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The fake qualifications scandal only deepens the crisis. A senior manager’s fabricated degree raises questions about how many others may have slipped through the cracks. Verification processes, if they exist, seem woefully inadequate, allowing individuals to climb the ranks without scrutiny.
This not only undermines the credibility of City Power’s leadership but also puts the entire organization at risk. Managing a utility requires specialized knowledge—engineering, finance, and logistics all play a role. When those in charge lack the necessary skills, the consequences are felt by everyone, from the boardroom to the streets of Soweto.
City Power’s financial losses are staggering, with estimates suggesting billions of rands have been squandered. This has placed immense strain on Johannesburg’s budget, forcing the city to divert resources from other critical services.
Ratepayers, already burdened by rising tariffs, are left footing the bill for an organization that seems incapable of delivering value. The ripple effects are profound: businesses are relocating, investors are wary, and residents are losing faith in the city’s ability to function.
So, who is to blame? Fingers have been pointed at City Power’s board, the City of Johannesburg’s leadership, and even provincial authorities. Critics argue that political interference has stifled accountability, with appointments often driven by loyalty rather than qualifications.
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The utility’s oversight mechanisms appear to have failed, allowing mismanagement to fester unchecked. Meanwhile, calls for transparency and reform have grown louder, with civic groups demanding a complete overhaul of City Power’s leadership.
The path forward is fraught with challenges. Restoring confidence in City Power will require a forensic audit of its recruitment practices and a rigorous vetting of all senior staff. Those found to have falsified credentials must face consequences, and the procurement department needs urgent restructuring to prevent further losses. Beyond that, City Power must invest in skilled professionals who can navigate the complexities of a modern utility. Technical expertise, not political connections, should be the cornerstone of its revival.
Johannesburg cannot afford a failing electricity provider. City Power’s collapse would have catastrophic consequences for the city’s economy and quality of life. The time for half-measures is over—decisive action is needed to root out corruption, restore competence, and rebuild trust. As residents watch their lights flicker, they deserve more than excuses. They deserve a City Power that works.
