The metro is reported to have lost R2 billion after its electricity billing system was manipulated.
The City of Ekurhuleni has suspended its Chief Information Officer (CIO) Moloko Monyepao after allegations of mismanagement that led to significant financial losses.
City of Ekurhuleni’s chief information officer suspended
In a statement on Thursday, the City said it decided to suspend Monyepao during an Ekurhuleni council meeting on 27 March 2025.
“This decision arises from serious allegations of mismanagement related to financial losses incurred by the City, primarily due to issues around inaccurate billing systems, interim meter readings, account manipulations, insufficient administrative oversight, and poor management of business systems,” the statement said.
The City added that Ekurhuleni’s city manager has been authorised to appoint an independent investigator to look into the allegations.
“The precautionary suspension of Mr. Monyepao is deemed necessary to ensure that the integrity of the investigation is maintained and to uphold good governance principles, accountability, and transparency within the City administration.”
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Metro loses R2bn after billing system manipulated
Last week, EWN reported that more than 1 600 electricity accounts were tampered with to wipe out outstanding amounts or reduce charges.
The manipulation of the billing system is believed to have cost the metro R2 billion.
Monyepao’s department was responsible for overseeing the billing system. This raised suspicions about how the payments were adjusted and whether the CIO was involved.
Eskom debt
This comes two months after Ekurhuleni’s MMC of Finance Jongizizwe Dlabathi accused Eskom of incorrectly billing the metro. Eskom had threatened to shut down the municipality due to its outstanding debt.
In February, The Citizen reported that the City allegedly owed Eskom R2.6 billion and a further R1.5 billion on its current account.
Although it acknowledged it owed money to Eskom, it disputed the amount owed.
“We owe Eskom R1.6 billion, which is a current account, the balance of which is the balance that is under dispute because the city is disputing a certain portion of the amount, which is the invoice amount compared to the electricity received,” Dlabathi said.
The MMC also blamed illegal connections, electricity theft and nonpayment by residents and businesses for the financial troubles.
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Additional reporting by Itumeleng Mafisa
