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The City of Johannesburg wishes to clarify media reports regarding the fuel cards used by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).

JMPD services were never interrupted, and no vehicles were grounded. The department adopted a proactive approach to ensure the effective management and optimal utilisation of the fuel available on board, enabling operations to continue without disruption.

The matter arose during the transition between service providers, which required the alignment of contractual arrangements, administrative processes and payment mechanisms.

The transition from one service provider to another is not simply an administrative change. It involves several interdependent processes that must be carefully managed to ensure the effective continuation of essential municipal operations.

Such transitions can present challenges relating to the transfer and verification of account information, the alignment of contractual obligations, the activation of new service arrangements, the reconciliation of outstanding transactions and the establishment of appropriate payment processes. Where services are operationally critical, these processes must be coordinated effectively to mitigate potential risks and safeguard service delivery.

This is a significant development that must be accurately and prominently reflected in all reporting and public discourse on this matter. It is imperative that the facts are presented in their proper context, without omission, distortion or misrepresentation, to ensure that public understanding is informed by the full picture and not an incomplete or misleading narrative.

The engagements between the City and the service provider also considered payment-related matters and compliance requirements arising from findings raised by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA).

The City remains committed to fulfilling its contractual obligations while ensuring compliance with applicable financial governance requirements. Responsible financial management and uninterrupted service delivery are both essential to accountable municipal administration.

Following engagements between the City and the service provider, an agreement was reached on the way forward, and all fuel cards have been unblocked.

The City wishes to reiterate the facts:

• Resolution of the matter: The issue arose during a transition between service providers. Engagements were held to address payment-related and compliance considerations, an agreement was reached, and all fuel cards have been unblocked.
• Continuity of services: JMPD services were never interrupted, and no vehicles were grounded at any point. The department proactively managed and optimally utilised the fuel available on board to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Commitment to accountability: The City remains focused on strengthening service provider transition processes, maintaining essential municipal operations and ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly in the best interests of Johannesburg’s residents.

The City will continue working with its service providers to address operational challenges, improve coordination and minimise the risk of similar administrative disruptions in future.

Issued by the City of Johannesburg