ActionSA will formally approach the Gauteng COGTA MEC after Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza’s refusal to table the report on the City Manager as required by the Municipal Systems Act. The MEC holds the authority under Section 154 of the Constitution to issue a directive compelling the mayor to table the report within a specified timeframe and restore accountability to council.
On Sunday, 19 April 2026, Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla was arrested and charged with fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice. These are not allegations against a junior official, but against the very individual entrusted with overseeing the administration and integrity of the entire city.
In terms of the Municipal Systems Act of 2000, the Executive Mayor had a clear statutory duty to table a report before council within seven days of receiving allegations against a senior manager.
More than 30 days have passed with no legal report tabled before council, the mayor has still not indicated when it will be presented.
Despite being granted a second opportunity at a prior meeting, the report was again not tabled when it was expected at the extraordinary council sitting of 21 May 2026, called specifically to receive the report to determine the future of the City Manager.
The mayor’s refusal to table the report is a blatant disregard for council authority and a direct violation of the law. By obstructing this process, Xhakaza is placing himself between the people of Ekurhuleni and the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability.
Council is being denied the opportunity to hold the City Manager to account because the mayor has chosen to shield an individual’s interests above those of the city and its residents.
To this end, ActionSA demands that the City Manager be placed on precautionary suspension while he answers to the legal matters before him.
COGTA MEC Must End Mayor Xhakaza’s Defiance of the Law
ActionSA will formally approach the Gauteng COGTA MEC after Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza’s refusal to table the report on the City Manager as required by the Municipal Systems Act. The MEC holds the authority under Section 154 of the Constitution to issue a directive compelling the mayor to table the report within a specified timeframe and restore accountability to council.
On Sunday, 19 April 2026, Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla was arrested and charged with fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice. These are not allegations against a junior official, but against the very individual entrusted with overseeing the administration and integrity of the entire city.
In terms of the Municipal Systems Act of 2000, the Executive Mayor had a clear statutory duty to table a report before council within seven days of receiving allegations against a senior manager.
More than 30 days have passed with no legal report tabled before council, the mayor has still not indicated when it will be presented.
Despite being granted a second opportunity at a prior meeting, the report was again not tabled when it was expected at the extraordinary council sitting of 21 May 2026, called specifically to receive the report to determine the future of the City Manager.
The mayor’s refusal to table the report is a blatant disregard for council authority and a direct violation of the law. By obstructing this process, Xhakaza is placing himself between the people of Ekurhuleni and the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability.
Council is being denied the opportunity to hold the City Manager to account because the mayor has chosen to shield an individual’s interests above those of the city and its residents.
To this end, ActionSA demands that the City Manager be placed on precautionary suspension while he answers to the legal matters before him.