Madlanga Inquiry revelations will make LGE one to watch  

by Rebone Tau

This November, we will witness one of the most interesting Local Government Elections (LGE) as the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continues to reveal serious wrongdoing taking place across different spheres of government.

We have already seen how issues relating to the City of Ekurhuleni and the City of Tshwane have featured prominently in discussions around governance, accountability and corruption.

When Lt. General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi held his historic press briefing, many of us initially thought it was primarily about the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) that had been disbanded by the suspended Minister of Police.

When President Cyril Ramaphosa later appointed a commission of inquiry, now known as the Madlanga Commission, many people believed it would simply be another commission where very little would come after its work. This perception was influenced by what many South Africans saw after the Zondo (State Capture) Commission.

However, when one looks at the evidence presented before both commissions, there appear to be differences in their approaches.

At the Madlanga Commission, we have seen extensive evidence being presented, including cell phone records, WhatsApp messages and, in some instances, bank statements. One can argue that both commissions have used different methods to get to the root of the allegations and identify those who may have been on the wrong side of the law. What has also stood out is that while the Madlanga Commission is still hearing testimony from witnesses, we have already seen arrests taking place. This has created a perception that the process is moving at a much faster pace than many expected. Whether this will ultimately result in successful prosecutions remains to be seen, but it has certainly captured public attention.

What was particularly interesting was when the City of Ekurhuleni was mentioned at the Madlanga Commission. Many were shocked by the revelations of alleged rot within the municipality and the allegations involving senior officials. It becomes clear that the very people entrusted with ensuring community safety through the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) were themselves allegedly compromised. We have heard testimony from the suspended Head of Human Resources, Linda Gxasheka, regarding how Julius Mkhwanazi, who is also currently suspended, was allegedly protected by former City Manager Dr. Imogen Mashazi. Allegations were also made regarding the role played by the suspended Head of Legal Services, Advocate Kimi Behari. If proven, these claims paint a troubling picture of how accountability systems can be used to shield individuals from scrutiny.

Revelations have also emerged about how Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s security company was used during the 2022 State of the City Address. This raised further questions about procurement processes and oversight within the municipality. When we discuss corruption, we often focus almost exclusively on politicians. While political accountability is important, officials also play a critical role. Officials understand the systems, policies and processes of government, and they know where weaknesses exist. More recently, allegations involving ICT company XET Solutions and its alleged links to former City Manager Dr. Mashazi have further raised concerns about governance in the municipality.

After Ekurhuleni was mentioned before the commission, interest in the proceedings increased significantly. Many service delivery challenges experienced by communities originate within local government. Municipalities are responsible for basic services, infrastructure maintenance and creating an environment where communities can thrive. When governance fails at this level, ordinary residents bear the consequences. Attention also turned to how Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza would respond to these developments. On 29 January 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a statement indicating that individuals against whom prima facie evidence of wrongdoing had been identified should face appropriate action, including former and current employees of the City of Ekurhuleni.

The list contained nine names. Mayor Xhakaza appeared to take a decisive approach, with council resolutions and administrative processes leading to the suspension of several individuals who had appeared before the Madlanga Commission. This reflected a willingness to act rather than wait for public pressure.

In February, Mayor Xhakaza reshuffled his Mayoral Committee. Former Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Sivuyile Ngodwana of the African Independent Congress (AIC), and former MMC for Community Safety, Councillor Sizakele Masuku of the ANC, were among those affected. Both had been mentioned by Thuso Keefalakae, Director of Investigations at the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). Keefalakae testified that political leadership had allegedly failed to act on IPID recommendations regarding misconduct within the EMPD.

He described attempts to engage leadership, including the then Mayor and MMC for Community Safety, without meaningful action being taken.

In the City of Tshwane, the focus of the hearings differed from Ekurhuleni. While Ekurhuleni centred heavily on EMPD disciplinary matters and alleged protection of officials, Tshwane focused on security tenders, alleged procurement manipulation, and political influence over contracts. A common thread between both cities was the vetting systems of metro police officials. We also heard evidence, including WhatsApp messages, regarding Sergeant Nkosi of SAPS allegedly moonlighting.

Former MMC for Shared Services, Khofelo Morodi, was also mentioned. On 19 March, Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya acted decisively against Morodi, placing her on special leave, which ultimately led to her dismissal as MMC on 27 March. Morodi was also later removed from ActionSA at the end of the month. This was followed by the suspension of the Chief Financial Officer, Gareth Mnisi, and the Deputy Commissioner of the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), Umashi Dlamini.

These developments highlight the importance of decisive leadership in local government. Leadership is not only about communication but also about taking responsibility when governance systems fail.

Whether one agrees with every decision taken by Mayor Xhakaza and Dr. Moya or not, it is clear that action was taken against members of their political leadership serving in their Mayoral Committees. In a political environment where leaders are often accused of protecting allies, such decisions stand out.

Looking at how Mayor Xhakaza is also handling issues relating to the local economy, there are positive developments worth noting. On 15 June, the City of Ekurhuleni announced that 28 locally owned businesses had received support from the municipality in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development.

These are the kinds of stories that need to be seen more often in communities. Municipalities should create a conducive environment for local businesses to operate and grow. Small businesses are a key part of local economies, and when supported, they create jobs and contribute to economic development. This is especially important in addressing unemployment, poverty, crime and inequality.

If President Ramaphosa were to expand the mandate of the Madlanga Commission to examine municipalities across South Africa, it could reveal uncomfortable truths but also strengthen accountability and restore public confidence in local government. South Africans need municipalities that function effectively and prioritise service delivery over patronage networks.

The future of South Africa’s development depends heavily on the effectiveness of local government. When municipalities function properly, communities benefit.

When they fail, the consequences are felt directly by ordinary citizens.

That is why accountability, transparency and decisive leadership remain critical.

Rebone Tau is a political commentator and author of The Rise and Fall of the ANCYL. She is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Pan-African Thought & Conversation (IPATC) at the University of Johannesburg. She writes in her personal capacity.