Ekurhuleni celebrates exemplary service of the city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi
She concluded a distinguished career marked by transformative leadership, integrity in governance, and an unwavering commitment to public service.
Mashazi, the first woman to serve as city manager in Ekurhuleni, has dedicated more than 40 years to public service. Her journey began at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, where she trained and worked as a nurse, before moving into municipal administration in the early 1990s.
According to city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, Mashazi's extensive experience and visionary leadership have helped shape Ekurhuleni into one of South Africa's most dynamic metropolitan municipalities.
Pioneering public health reforms
Throughout her time in local government, Mashazi made a lasting impact, particularly in public health. As head of the City's Health Department, she led groundbreaking initiatives that enabled the region to achieve the highest TB cure rate in the country and significantly reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission.
'She was instrumental in establishing numerous primary healthcare facilities across Ekurhuleni, significantly improving health access for residents,' said Dlamini.
Infrastructure growth and financial stewardship
Since her appointment as city manager in 2016, Mashazi has ushered in a new era of development and financial discipline.
Under her leadership, the city's capital expenditure more than doubled from R3.9b to R7b, enabling the rollout of critical infrastructure. This included the construction of 29 reservoirs and water towers, most notably Africa's second-tallest water tower, completed in Benoni to enhance the city's water resilience.
Her tenure has also been defined by sound financial governance. Since the 2019/2020 financial year, Ekurhuleni has achieved three consecutive clean audits, recorded zero unauthorised or wasteful expenditure, and maintained a consistent 91% revenue collection rate. This achievement is recognised as a benchmark in the sector.
Recognition and empowerment
Mashazi's leadership has received widespread recognition. Her accolades include the public sector leader award at the Virtual Top Empowerment Awards, honours from the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP), and multiple Blue Drop and Green Drop awards for excellence in water and environmental management.
She was most recently honoured by Good Governance Africa for her commitment to transparent and effective municipal administration.
A strong advocate for gender equity, Dr Mashazi launched the City Manager's Women Empowerment Legacy Project in 2017. The initiative has elevated the role of women across all departments, especially in sectors historically dominated by men.
A legacy for generations
The City of Ekurhuleni has expressed its deepest gratitude for Mashazi's decades of exceptional service. She is described as a visionary trailblazer whose impact will be felt for generations.
'Mashazi leaves behind a city that is more resilient, more equitable, and better governed. Her contribution to Ekurhuleni's transformation is immeasurable,' said Dlamini.
As Mashazi embarks on the next chapter of her life, the city extends its warmest wishes for continued success and fulfilment. Her legacy is firmly rooted in the fabric of Ekurhuleni's growth story, a lasting reminder of what dedicated public service can achieve.
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