CDE executive director Ann Bernstein spoke to 702’s Bongani Bingwa, arguing that Johannesburg must tackle City Power’s deep management, skills and financial challenges if it is to deliver reliable electricity to residents. With critical technical vacancies, inadequate revenue collection and an ageing network, Bernstein said: “You need an appropriately qualified person who is the CEO. You need a board that has the right qualifications.” She argued that the priority should be appointing capable leadership, strengthening the utility’s finances and bringing in private sector capacity — rather than simply collapsing City Power back into the City of Johannesburg. This interview follows the release of CDE’s latest Johannesburg Matters report, Powering Joburg’s Turnaround.