- The CEO of Johannesburg’s energy utility, City Power, Tshifularo Mashava, is at the centre of nepotism allegations.
- Insiders claim Mashava has employed family members and unqualified individuals in key positions.
- City Power faces a R3.2 billion debt to Eskom and concerns are mounting over governance failures as Johannesburg’s power grid fails to deliver reliable electricity supply.
- City Power also faces wide scale theft and vandalism of its transmission and distribution infrastructure valued at R40 billion.
In response, the Board of City Power confirms that it has already sanctioned a comprehensive review of various media reports and allegations that have surfaced relating to governance, recruitment, procurement, and infrastructure management at the utility.
“These investigations form part of the Board’s ongoing commitment to strengthening governance, accountability, and integrity within City Power. The review, initiated through the Audit and Risk Committee, will focus on the issues highlighted in the News24 article including allegations of nepotism, unqualified appointments, and internal control weaknesses, as well as other concerns raised in the public domain. The aim of this process is to establish the facts, ensure appropriate consequence management where warranted, and reinforce ethical leadership throughout the organisation,” said City Power in a statement.
The news comes as City Power implements new electricity tariff increases on 1st July 2025, as approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). The regulator approved an average increase of 12.41% across City Power’s customer categories for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
