JDA CEO arrest exposes the rot in Johannesburg’s billion-rand entities

(This article first appeared as a Johannesburg newsletter. Subscribe here.)

1: CEO arrested with big cash find

Mathibe is young but has already had a stratospheric career across the entities: he has moved from the Johannesburg Roads Agency, to the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) and then to the JDA which is responsible for the biggest chunk of capital expenditures.

“Themba Mathibe, the CEO of the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), who doubles up as acting chief executive officer of the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco), was arrested at his home late on Tuesday night, raising questions about leadership, oversight and accountability in some of the City’s municipal institutions.

In a statement on Wednesday, SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said: “Following an extensive investigation into allegations of procurement irregularities at the Johannesburg Social Housing Company, the SAPS cold case unit and Special Task Force effected an arrest on a charge of money laundering after the CEO was found with a substantial amount of money at his home.”

2: The R1-million fraudulent wall

Anna’s story about the spending on a wall at an old age home also shows how capital budgets are allegedly manipulated. At the heart of the story: Themba Mathibe again. The budget paid for scaffolding that wasn’t needed and for plastering…of a face brick wall. It took an eagle-eyed councillor to spot the fraud. The lesson is that if there is capital spending in your ward, you need to follow the money closely and blow the whistle.

“Following the arrest of Johannesburg Development Agency CEO Themba Mathibe, renewed scrutiny has turned to an earlier fraud uncovered at a Johannesburg old-age home, when Mathibe was suspected of interfering in efforts to recover unauthorised funds.”

3: Letter to the editor – stop the visual pollution

Dear Editor

Johannesburg is visibly dirty and neglected. Major routes now resemble advertising dumping grounds. While billboards are not the only cause, they have become a clear symbol of the City’s decline.

The City frames enforcement largely as lost revenue, rather than visual pollution, safety or urban quality. Residents are angry not about money, but about living in a city that looks uncared for.

Corporates should also reflect on their role. Many brands promote ESG values while contributing to visual clutter. Advertising in shared public space carries reputational consequences.

This is not a call to stop advertising, but to do so more responsibly and without further degrading the City.

Regards
Darryn von Maltitz

4: Letter to the editor – he’s not a great councillor

Dear Editor

The article on Carlos da Rocha does not reflect residents’ experience. He is known locally for poor engagement and self-promotion.

Despite extensive community work around Stewart Drive Park, Bez Valley and Natal Street, I have never experienced meaningful support.

Confusion over ward boundaries is visible at Sylvia Pass, while infrastructure goes unfixed. The abandoned flats at 64 Natal Street and the appalling state of De La Rey Street, both within his ward, speak for themselves.

Regards
Richard Holden

5: What I saw on a Johannesburg street one night in January

What began as a routine stop at a petrol station turned into a disturbing encounter with suspected victims of a human trafficking operation in a Johannesburg suburb. After noticing several barefoot teenage boys in the custody of private security, unable to speak English and showing signs of abuse, I helped alert authorities.

Within hours, police and community safety groups had rescued 10 foreign nationals and arrested a suspect. This is the story of how a hidden crime unfolded in plain sight — and what it revealed about trafficking networks operating in South Africa’s cities. Daily Maverick’s Aneesa Adams explains, watch here:

Joburg ‘Person of the day’

Celebrated tenor Phenye Modiane sings his heart out on the Mandela Bridge, much to the delight of the crowd. Managing director and artistic director of Jozi Opera, Modiane founded the company in 2019 with the aim of making opera accessible and vibrant in Gauteng. He was born in Ga-Rankuwa, where his passion for music began in church and his exceptional singing talent was discovered by a schoolteacher who urged him to pursue a career. Modiane completed his BTech Degree in Vocal Arts at the Tshwane University of Technology. He’s now many things - manager, curator, producer, director, performer, voice teacher, vocal coach, performance coach, and artist manager.

Picture of the day

My go-to spot

The Market Theatre Precinct | 138 Lilian Ngoyi St, Newtown, Johannesburg

...I love hanging at the Market Theatre precinct — catching a show, chilling by the Brenda Fassie statue and getting life advice from the old Kippies bronze statue makes me feel like I’m back in old Joburg.

(This article first appeared as a Johannesburg newsletter. Subscribe here.)