The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the City of Ekurhuleni has written to Executive Mayor, Ald. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, demanding that he instruct City Manager, Kagiso Lerutla to suspend the illegal salary increases to Heads of Department (HODs) for Legal and Human Resources, Kemi Beharie and Linda Gxasheka.
Through DA questions to the Executive, it was revealed that both Beharie and Gxasheka received a salary increase of 28% (R585,286.00) each two months after their appointments.
Further probing by the DA has revealed that these increases, approved by then Executive Mayor, African Independent Congress (AIC) councillor Ald. Sivuyile Ngodwana were illegal, as the Executive Mayor does not have the delegation to bypass Council when awarding salary increases to HODs.
Both Beharie and Gxasheka are on suspension following the damning testimonies made at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which accused them of failing to act and, in some instances, shielding corruption accused Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, from investigation.
In the letter to the Executive Mayor, we have also insisted that an item be brought to Council in March 2026 which will seek to recover these illegally approved increases by Members of the then Mayoral Committee (MMCs).
Those who aided and abetted these illegal increases must be held to account for their actions.
The money recovered must be ploughed back into the City’s coffers to enhance collapsing service delivery.
This must send a strong message that no one is above the law and illegal actions carry consequences.
Residents of the City of Ekurhuleni deserve value for money, and this is the first step in ensuring money is spent on services, not self-enriching officials.