The City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Jack Sekwaila, has dismissed as “misleading and politically opportunistic” the Democratic Alliance’s repeated claims that Joburg Water funds were diverted to City Power.
The DA has raised the allegation several times this year during the City’s adjustment budget in March, in statements issued during September’s water supply crisis, again in October through a PAIA request, and most recently this week.
According to the party, money allocated to Joburg Water was allegedly redirected to City Power through the City’s sweeping account system.Sekwaila rejected the claims, saying the DA has provided “no factual proof” and has never approached his office or City Power for clarity.
“Instead, they have chosen speculation and electioneering over responsible leadership,” he said.
“City Power has never received any diverted funds from Joburg Water or any other entity.”
He added that if City Power had received such funds, the City would not be facing the R1.2-billion debt to contractors a figure previously highlighted by the DA itself. Sekwaila said the sweeping account system is a standard municipal liquidity mechanism and does not allow departments or entities to access funds allocated to others. All transfers to City Power, he said, follow Council-approved and audited processes.
He criticised the DA for ignoring financial reports tabled before Council, including the 2024 and 2025 statements, which he says show that City Power’s finances comply with legal and audit requirements.While political debate continues, Sekwaila said City Power has been focused on stabilising its operations.
Under the leadership of CEO Tshifularo Mashava, the entity has reported fewer unplanned outages, improved revenue collection, better network protection and faster response to major faults.In the latest quarter, City Power exceeded several performance targets, including streetlight installations, household electricity connections and network stabilisation. The entity has also progressed with its electric vehicle programme, set to launch next week, and recently rolled out its new Intelligence Distribution System (IDS), aimed at reducing electricity losses.
Sekwaila stressed that City Power and Joburg Water rely on each other to keep essential services functioning and rejected the idea that one entity would undermine the other.He said Joburg Water’s challenges stem from infrastructure backlogs, billing cycles with bulk suppliers, and prolonged underinvestment not from financial interference.
“The DA’s attempt to cast City Power as the villain is nothing more than a political gimmick,” Sekwaila said.
“Residents deserve honesty, not fear-mongering, and leadership that puts communities first.”
