Latest news with #Mangena
The Citizen
4 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
City Power announces interim solution for Mahauzana's electricity woes
Residents of Mahauzana Flats in River Park who are grappling with persistent electricity challenges may soon benefit from an interim solution announced by City Power. The utility's General Manager of Public Relations and Communication, Isaac Mangena, clarified that Mahauzana is not a formally registered customer, and the flats, which are part of an unfinished Gauteng Provincial Government project, have been illegally occupied, leading residents to rely on unauthorised connections. Mangena emphasised that City Power is not obligated to supply electricity until the Department formally proclaims the settlement and agrees to cover billing. However, acknowledging the ongoing impasse, the utility has come up with a temporary plan to stabilise the area's electricity supply and reduce strain on the broader River Park community. Also read: City Power leaves Riverpark residents in the dark 'This solution involves the temporary installation of a bulk electricity supply to Mahauzana Flats through a dedicated mini substation and between four to six pillar boxes per block of flats,' he noted. 'Each pillar box will contain a protection system and three-phase prepaid meters for each block. This setup will allow for sub-metering, enabling residents to manage their electricity usage. It is crucial to note that internal house wiring and the installation of compliant distribution boards will remain the responsibility of the residents.' Mangena warned that any illegal connections or non-vending could prompt City Power to disconnect power to the flats or the entire area. 'City Power believes that this is the most viable short-term solution to stabilise the network, curb electricity theft and non-payment, and reduce the power outages that continue to inconvenience other residents of River Park,' Mangena shared. The interim solution aims to address chronic power disruptions while formalisation discussions with the Gauteng Provincial Government continue. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
City Power refutes claims its headquarters raided by Hawks
Reports emerged the Hawks are probing City Power for alleged corruption and financial mismanagement totalling more than R500 million. City Power has refuted claims that its headquarters were raided by the Hawks. This comes after reports emerged on Friday that the crime-fighting unit raided City Power's Johannesburg headquarters as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and financial mismanagement involving irregular payments and inflated contracts totalling more than R500 million. Alleged corruption According to the reports, City Power's executive management is also being investigated for allegedly allowing more than R335 million to be looted from its maintenance budget in six months – from May 2023 to October of that year – on frivolous purchases that included air fresheners, pens, trolley mops and copper cables that officers claim were not delivered. ALSO READ: City Power employees among seven arrested for copper theft Hawks raid City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena confirmed that the Directorate of Investigating Priority Crimes also known as the Hawks visited its premises to deliver a formal request for information about the business. 'There was no raid, no confiscation of documents, files, or IT equipment. And there was no interrogation. 'We can, however, confirm that members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) did visit City Power and delivered a formal request for information (RFI) to the business,' Mangena said. Mangena said City Power will cooperate fully with this 'lawful request' by the Hawks. Internal control processes Last year, the Auditor-General's report into City Power's affairs flagged its internal control processes. The report recommended an investigation, which was concluded in March 2025. City Power's investigation revealed collusion between employees and service providers, serious breaches in procurement and payment processes, fraudulent job numbers, and duplicate approvals. This led to City Power suffering significant financial losses. ALSO READ: City Power achieves unqualified audit, hits 75% of targets Dismissals The power utility has since dismissed guilty employees and laid criminal complaints. 'Out of all cases that have already been finalised and those that are still ongoing, we discovered that 12 electricians, eight security officers, five team leaders, and several senior managers had been implicated in serious criminal conduct such as cable theft, fraud and soliciting bribe,' City Power said. 'While we are aggressively fighting the scourge of theft and vandalism, we discovered that several employees, including team leaders, electricians and even our own contracted security officers, were involved in stealing and destroying essential infrastructure. 'We have also uncovered that the challenge we have been battling with surrounding the shortages of materials was not only related to heightened demand for replacement equipment, but that our own employees were simply handing these tools to contractors from the stores and supposedly benefiting from those transactions,' the utility said. ALSO READ: City Power and Joburg have not paid debt to Eskom, Ramokgopa says [VIDEO]
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- The Citizen
City Power employees among seven arrested for copper theft
City Power said 15 employees are undergoing disciplinary action, many of whom are linked to fraud, collusion with contractors, and theft. About 840 pieces of suspected stolen copper pipes, with a street value of over R200 000, concealed in boxes. Picture: City Power Three City Power employees, along with four others, have been arrested for copper theft worth an estimated R200 000. City Power confirmed that the suspects were arrested on Mandela Day on Friday. Employees nabbed The utility's spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, said the arrests were made in Reuven and Lenasia and form part of broader efforts to dismantle internal corruption and sabotage or theft that threaten the city of Johannesburg's electricity network. 'The most alarming development occurred in the early hours of Friday when a trade assistant, cleaner, and an EPWP worker were intercepted while attempting to exit City Power's Reuven Service Delivery Centre (SDC) with about 840 pieces of suspected stolen copper pipes, with a street value of over R200 000, concealed in boxes inside a company vehicle. 'The theft was detected by City Power security officers during a routine checkpoint inspection. Saps was immediately alerted, and the suspects were taken into custody on site. All three now face criminal charges,' Mangena said. ALSO READ: City Power halts services in Vezinyawo in Alexandra 'Disturbing' City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava said it is disturbing and deeply disappointing to find that the power utility's own staff are allegedly involved in the theft of public infrastructure. 'These are individuals entrusted with safeguarding our network, yet they've betrayed that responsibility. We will pursue disciplinary action without fear or favour.' Shootout The arrests come just days after a separate high-stakes operation in Denver, where City Power security personnel, with the support of Saps, JMPD, and private security, came under fire during a shootout with suspected infrastructure vandals. Mashava said no injuries were reported. 'The shootout in Denver underscores the dangerous and organised nature of these crimes. We are dealing with syndicates who are armed and unafraid to confront law enforcement. We will not relent in the fight to protect Johannesburg's electricity infrastructure.' Cleanup City Power said the arrests form part of an ongoing internal clean-up campaign launched by City Power in March 2025. The utility said to date, 15 employees are undergoing disciplinary action, many of whom are linked to fraud, collusion with contractors, and theft. City Power added that a total of 47 disciplinary cases have been processed since March 2024, including multiple suspensions and one criminal prosecution. Those implicated include electricians, security officers, team leaders, and senior managers. ALSO READ: City Power will not pay to replace this cable if stolen by thieves
The Citizen
18-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
City Power invites community members for Free Basic Electricity registration
City Power is inviting community members for a Free Basic Electricity (FBE) registration. According to a statement sent to the Roodepoort Record by City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena, senior citizens, military veterans, child-headed households, people with disabilities, and the displaced may register for FBE. 'To qualify, you need to be a South African citizen, must reside within the City of Johannesburg, be unemployed or have a monthly income not exceeding R7 503.01,' the statement read. Mangena said that in cases where you are unable to attend on given dates, you may still register at the City Power offices (Roodepoort Service Delivery Centres) from Monday to Friday. Documents to bring • ID • City Power prepaid/ meter number • proof of income • proof of residence • proof of SASSA grant • latest 3-month statement • City of Johannesburg rates and taxes accounts Areas and Dates • Fleurhof grounds (near Shell Garage) – Saturday, July 19 to Sunday, July 20 from 10:00 • Jerusalema informal settlement, Florida – Thursday, July 31, from 10:00 • Princess Sports Ground – Friday, July 18 from 10:00 • Maraisburg Memorial Park, corner 9th Street and 8th Avenue – Monday, July 21 to Wednesday, July 23 At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
City Power meter checks begin: Avoid R14k fine by allowing access
City Power has announced that it will be commencing with meter audits across the Roodepoort Service Delivery Centre (SDC) supply areas from Monday, July 14. According to the entity's spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, the programme, which will run until August 31, is part of their ongoing efforts to modernise and streamline operations. 'Its primary objective is to enhance the accuracy of electricity billing while promoting greater transparency and operational efficiency in the delivery of our services.' Mangena adds that it is crucial that all customers are properly metered, ensuring that they are paying for the electricity they use daily. 'Customers who refuse meter audits and normalisation, particularly where meters are faulty or have been tampered with, leave us with no option but to disconnect them, with a fine of over R14 000 imposed for single-phase connections, along with additional reconnection fees. Three-phase connections may incur penalties exceeding R30 000. 'We urge customers to allow our metering technicians to complete their work efficiently. 'If residents are unavailable, our technicians will leave a 'No Access' letter by the customer's premises with the company name and contact details. In addition, we will provide the SDC name and the team leader's contact details. 'Customers are urged to immediately make arrangements for the audit.' Mangena adds that the entity is aware of safety concerns during this process, as criminals could attempt to disguise themselves as entity employees to gain access to properties. 'We urge customers to verify the credentials of City Power employees and contractors by contacting our Security Risk Management Control Room, their SDC, or by checking with their ward councillor to confirm if any work is scheduled in their area,' he says. 'All City Power employees and contractors are required to carry and produce their official ID cards while on duty.' These ID cards are colour-coded according to the different sections within City Power and display important identifying information, including: • The photo and personal details of the employee or contractor • The contractor's verification number (badge number) and expiry date • A firefly hologram for added security • Contact details for our Security Risk Management Control Room At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
