At just 34 years old, Tebogo Moraka has already made an indelible mark in the world of finance and public service. He is currently serving as the Group Chief Financial Officer (GCFO) in the City of Johannesburg and his journey from the world of technology to the helm of financial leadership is nothing short of remarkable.
Moraka became acting GCFO in February 2023 and his official appointment came in July 2023. Before his pivotal shift to the world of finance, he worked in technology. “The transition was a major change,” Moraka reflects with a calm demeanour, “moving from technology to the role of stabilising the City financially and ensuring a sustainable future.”
There has been challenges as he stepped into the role at a time when the City had been underperforming for a significant period. “It was challenging then, and it remains challenging now,” he admits, “but we have solid initiatives in place, and our focus is on implementation.”
Moraka, alongside the City Manager, Floyd Brink, is at the forefront of several committees aimed at achieving two primary goals: improving the City’s billing and collection processes and bringing about visible change in the services offered.
His duties as GCFO are extensive and demanding, reflecting the crucial role he plays in steering the City’s financial ship. These include providing strategic financial direction across the City, overseeing revenue management and collection, managing expenditures to ensure value for money, advocating for good governance, integrating technology into finance operations, and enhancing service delivery.
When asked about his goals during his tenure, Moraka highlights the importance of stabilising the City’s finances, addressing current underperformance in collections, and securing a sustainable future. He envisions a technologically driven finance department that is customer-centric, with motivated and contented staff at its core. “The City is its people, the employees,” he emphasises.
“If we’re motivated to work, we’ll change people’s lives.”
Moraka’s educational journey laid a solid foundation for his career. He holds a BCom degree in accounting, an Honours degree in accounting, and a Higher Certificate in IT, all obtained from the University of Johannesburg. His early career included a stint at Deloitte USA, where he audited financial sectors and later served as an Audit Manager at the company. In 2016, he joined the City, initially in Group Finance, advising on complex technical accounting. He then assumed roles as Deputy Director in Group Corporate and Shared Services and later Head of Finance IT. He had a stint as acting head of IT as the Group Chief Technology Officer before taking on the mantle of GCFO.
Born and raised in Zeerust, North West, Moraka’s journey to finance was evident from a young age. “I’ve always been good with numbers,” he chuckles. “A career in accounting was natural, almost inevitable. I believe I can work magic with numbers.”
Outside the boardroom, Moraka enjoys watching sport for leisure.
He values the insights he has gained from working alongside influential leaders like Floyd Brink and Cyril Baloyi (the former Group Chief Technology Officer), both of whom have imparted valuable lessons on leadership.
Moraka acknowledges the City’s current financial status as fragile but maintains an unwaveringly optimistic outlook. He has been involved in key projects, such as the Construction Permit Management System (CPMS) team and the e-Joburg project and played a crucial role in reviving the free Wi-Fi programme within the City.
His passion for public service and his dedication to the City shine through. “I’ll give it my best, I don’t mind the long hours as I enjoy what I’m doing.”
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
23/09/2023