EKURHULENI, Gauteng — Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has officially confirmed the dismissal of three senior officials, marking a decisive step in the metropolitan municipality’s commitment to strict consequence management and anti-corruption. The dismissals of Kemi Behari, Linda Gxasheka, and Moloko Monyepao follow serious findings related to ICT mismanagement, unauthorized salary reviews, and misconduct linked to the Madlanga Commission.
Stepping out of an ongoing in-camera council session to address the media, Mayor Xhakaza emphasized that the city is determined to strengthen accountability and restore public confidence. He stated that the council has resolved to put an end to prolonged internal processes, ensuring that those caught doing wrong are dealt with decisively, without fear or favor.
The terminations stem from multiple severe infractions. Kemi Behari, the former head of ICT, was dismissed following the mismanagement of ICT systems that directly led to severe revenue shortfalls for the city. The two other heads of department, Linda Gxasheka and Moloko Monyepao, were dismissed due to revelations tied to the Madlanga Commission, as well as recent corrective measures involving the irregular appropriation and review of their own salaries—a move executed in direct contradiction to council decisions.
When pressed on the specific findings that led to the ultimate dismissals, Mayor Xhakaza pointed to the culmination of disciplinary processes. He noted that while some officials attempted to manipulate or delay disciplinary procedures, the council recognizes that such tactics cost the municipality and its residents hard-earned service delivery money.
The mayor also addressed the ongoing disciplinary case involving suspended deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi. He clarified that these processes are handled by senior management below the council level, but affirmed that the municipality is fully cooperating to ensure all recommendations and consequences are effected appropriately. A comprehensive account of these processes, including those tied to the Madlanga Commission, will be provided at a forthcoming media briefing.
In discussing the city’s broader governance and anti-corruption stance, Mayor Xhakaza highlighted recent positive developments. He confirmed that the chief of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) has returned to duty, effectively closing a critical leadership vacuum. This return, coupled with completed vetting processes, will allow the city to implement key recommendations within the ICT space with greater speed and certainty.
“The message is clear,” Mayor Xhakaza stated. “It doesn’t matter how evasive one tries to be, or who you are. Your day will come, and this council will decide on your fate. If you do not belong here, or if you refuse to comply, you will face the consequences.”
The council remains in session, and municipal leadership has indicated that a detailed media conference will be scheduled in the coming days to provide the public with a full report on each of the issues addressed, ensuring transparency as the city works to leave the municipality in “good books” by the end of the current term of office.