City of Ekurhuleni
By Thabo Mosia
The City of Ekurhuleni’s chief information officer, Moloko Monyepao, has been suspended amid allegations of negligence that led to substantial revenue losses. The municipality recorded a R2 billion shortfall in the first quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year due to a billing system failure that allowed some households and businesses to underpay for electricity. As the Easter long weekend begins, this scandal has raised serious concerns about governance and accountability in one of South Africa’s key metros, with residents now facing the prospect of repaying undercharged amounts.
The suspension follows a tumultuous period for Ekurhuleni, where over 1,600 electricity accounts were tampered with, resulting in erased or reduced balances. Monyepao, who oversees the city’s ICT department, is accused of failing to maintain proper oversight, prompting an independent investigation by the auditor-general. With the city taking decisive action, this case underscores the challenges of managing municipal finances and the urgent need for transparency as South Africans reflect on accountability during the Easter season.
A R2 Billion Revenue Shortfall
The financial crisis came to light when Ekurhuleni identified a R2 billion revenue shortfall in the first quarter of the current financial year. “In the first quarter of the financial year, the city recorded a R2 billion revenue shortfall due to a billing system failure, which allowed some households and businesses to underpay for electricity,” the city confirmed. The failure stemmed from widespread tampering with the municipality’s billing system, affecting over 1,600 accounts. “Over 1,600 accounts were tampered with, leading to either the complete erasure of outstanding balances or significantly reduced charges,” officials stated.
The tampering, which began in July 2023, went undetected until early 2025, raising alarm about the city’s internal controls. “The tampering of electricity accounts, which resulted in manipulation of the city’s billing system, reportedly began in July 2023 and continued until the city identified a revenue shortfall in the first quarter of the current financial year,” the municipality noted. The scale of the loss has strained Ekurhuleni’s budget, already under pressure from debts, including a reported R2.3 billion owed to Eskom as of March 2025.
Monyepao’s Suspension and Allegations
Moloko Monyepao, head of Ekurhuleni’s ICT department, now faces serious allegations of negligence. “Monyepao, who heads the city’s ICT department responsible for overseeing the billing system, is accused of failing to maintain proper administrative oversight,” the city stated. His role was critical in managing the automated meter reading system, designed to ensure accurate billing. However, the system’s failure allowed thousands of accounts to be manipulated, costing the metro dearly.
The decision to suspend Monyepao came after a week of scrutiny. “Last week, ewn exclusively revealed that Ekurhuleni’s chief information officer, Moloko Monyepao, had been given seven days to provide reasons to the city manager as to why he should not be suspended following allegations of negligence in fulfilling his duties,” officials confirmed. His suspension was finalized to protect the ongoing investigation. “The city has stated Monyepao’s suspension is necessary to preserve the integrity of the investigation, which now includes an independent probe by the auditor-general,” the municipality added.
Questions have swirled about how such a large-scale issue went unnoticed. “Questions have since emerged regarding how Monyepao, whose ICT department is responsible for overseeing the system, failed to detect the irregularities, raising suspicions about his potential involvement in the syndicate believed to have cost the metro R2 billion,” the city noted. While no evidence of direct involvement has been confirmed, the allegations have fueled public distrust, especially given past controversies linked to Monyepao’s tenure.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
The fallout from the billing scandal will hit Ekurhuleni’s residents and businesses hard. “Meanwhile, households and businesses whose accounts were tampered with will be required to repay the city for the amounts they were undercharged,” the municipality announced. This means over 1,600 account holders could face unexpected bills, potentially sparking outrage among those unaware of the tampering. The city has not yet clarified how repayments will be structured or whether leniency will be offered to low-income households.
Ekurhuleni’s financial woes are not new. The metro has struggled with electricity theft, illegal connections, and a culture of non-payment, as highlighted by Finance MMC Jongizizwe Dlabathi in recent statements about the city’s Eskom debt. The R2 billion loss adds to these challenges, threatening service delivery and infrastructure projects. Residents in areas like Kempton Park, Germiston, and Benoni are already frustrated with inconsistent services, and this scandal could further erode confidence in the municipality.
Auditor-General’s Investigation and Past Issues
The auditor-general’s involvement marks a critical step in uncovering the truth. The independent probe aims to trace the syndicate’s operations, which began as early as July 2023, and identify any systemic weaknesses. This is not the first time Ekurhuleni’s financial management has faced scrutiny. In 2023, the auditor-general raised concerns about the metro’s financial statements, pointing to departures from Generally Recognised Accounting Practices (GRAP). While Ekurhuleni has secured clean audits in the past, recent years have seen growing questions about transparency.
Monyepao himself has been linked to earlier controversies. In 2017, a service provider alleged that Monyepao and City Manager Imogen Mashazi sought bribes, claims the municipality denied. More recently, concerns were raised about family members of senior officials, including Monyepao, working for an IT firm contracted by the city. While these arrangements were deemed legal, they fueled perceptions of favoritism, adding context to the current allegations.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 102 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Hope for Matjhabeng as Executive Mayor Khalipha Rolls Out Plan for Renewal After ANC Reinstatement”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Central-News-Issue-102.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube