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IOL News
06-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Shock revelations show half of Ekurhuleni top officials are underqualified
Accusations are mounting against Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Dr. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza over his perceived inaction in the wake of damning revelations surrounding the irregular appointment of Mr. Phakamile Mbengashe as the Head of Department (HOD) for Communications, Marketing and Tourism. Accusations are mounting against Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Dr. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza over his perceived inaction in the wake of damning revelations surrounding the irregular appointment of Mr. Phakamile Mbengashe as the Head of Department (HOD) for Communications, Marketing and Tourism. A source in the Human Resources Department of the Ekurhuleni Municipality has revealed to The Star that 50% of middle to senior management at the municipality is underqualified or does not meet standard requirements. Accusations are also mounting against Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Dr. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza over his perceived inaction in the wake of damning revelations surrounding the irregular appointment of Mr. Phakamile Mbengashe as the Head of Department (HOD) for Communications, Marketing and Tourism. Despite widespread allegations and formal challenges regarding Mbengashe's academic credentials and experience, the mayor has yet to initiate or endorse any investigation — a silence that critics interpret as implicit protection of the embattled official. The uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party, in a strongly worded media statement, called for a full-scale investigation into what it terms an ''unscrupulous" and "politically influenced" appointment. 'The appointment of Mr. Mbengashe appears to be a result of his close ties to influential politicians within and outside the city,' said Commissar Oupa 'Sosco' Mokoena, regional coordinator of the MK Party. 'It is an affront to Black excellence to reward friends and cronies in such a manner.' At the centre of the controversy is Mbengashe's academic record, which allegedly lacks the legally required undergraduate degree for the position — a requirement under South Africa's Local Government: Municipal Systems Act and Regulations on the Appointment of Senior Managers. A confidential letter from the Municipal Executive and Corporate Staff Union (MECSU), addressed to city officials, specifically questions Mbengashe's qualification, claiming, 'He is allegedly holding a Master's Degree from the University of Salford in the UK, but does not possess a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification.' The letter, signed by General Secretary Vukile Mlungwana, demands verification and threatens external legal action if ignored. Independent reports have echoed these concerns. A story published by The Star revealed that Mbengashe is among a growing list of politically connected figures allegedly exploiting a loophole involving foreign qualifications. According to the report, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has often recognised such international postgraduate qualifications without adequate scrutiny of the prerequisite undergraduate credentials. Adding further fuel to the controversy, a leaked council report shows that out of 288 applicants for the Communications HOD position, Mbengashe, who allegedly lacks both proper qualifications and requisite managerial experience, emerged as the preferred candidate. The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Independent Citizens Movement (ICM) councillors have questioned how the vetting panel could have overlooked these glaring discrepancies. Dr. Joe Mojapelo, ICM leader and councillor in Ekurhuleni, has written to Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, calling for urgent intervention. 'It is clear the process was pushed through without proper verification or transparency,' said Mojapelo. 'This is not just a flawed appointment — it is a potential violation of municipal law.' Sources within the City of Ekurhuleni claim the situation is symptomatic of a broader problem. 'At least 50% of senior staff in the municipality are underqualified or were irregularly appointed,' one insider alleged. 'These are not isolated incidents; it's a systemic governance issue.' Meanwhile, MEC Mamabolo has formally requested a Regulation 17 Report detailing the appointment process and addressing all allegations. His office has indicated that if the report confirms procedural flaws or qualifications fraud, he may invoke Section 56(6) of the Municipal Systems Act to declare the appointment invalid. Yet, Mayor Xhakaza remains silent. Requests for comment have gone unanswered, and no internal probe has been announced. Critics suggest that his reluctance to act may be rooted in political loyalties or fears of wider fallout if the appointment is reversed. With the Regulation 17 Report due and public pressure mounting, Ekurhuleni faces a pivotal moment. Whether the city will uphold transparency and the rule of law, or continue to shield politically favoured individuals, remains to be seen. 'This isn't just about one man,' said Mokoena. 'It's about the credibility of our entire municipal administration.' This is a developing story.
The South African
05-05-2025
- The South African
Over 300 Ekurhuleni Metro police facing dismissal over illegal strike
Over 300 Ekurhuleni Metro Police officers have been served pre-dismissal notices for embarking on an illegal strike in March. The metro cops blocked major highways, including Gillooleys Interchange on the R24, Carnival on the N17, the Springs/Daveyton off-ramp on the N12, and the Benoni off-ramp on the R21, causing traffic disruptions, demanding salary increases, overtime compensation, and improved working conditions. According to GroundUp , the officers complained that their counterparts at the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) work 16 days per month, four days on, four days off, with higher salaries than EMPD officers. The officers said they work 24 days per month with less rest and lower salaries, placing them at a disadvantage. Additionally, they also cited a lack of danger allowances, which are provided to the officers' counterparts in other metros and the South African Police Service (SAPS). On Monday, 5 May, City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe told Newzroom Afrika that 389 EMPD officers have been served with pre-dismissal notices and have 48 hours to prepare themselves for their upcoming disciplinary hearings where they'll have to explain themselves as to why they should not be dismissed. 'At the moment, they have been suspended, which means that the council on the equipment that they used to do their jobs, which were the vehicles, firearms, and access to various council buildings, has been confiscated. We await to see what the outcome of the disciplinary hearings are,' he said. Regarding possible avenues the metro cops can use to appeal their case, Mbengashe said they can consult with their union reps, they can also consult with legal representatives, and they can make those representations during the disciplinary hearing. He said as per legislation, the Ekurhuleni metro police officers are essential services and aren't allowed to go on strike. Additionally, they held various meetings ahead of the strike and could've local labour forum to raise their issues. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
28-04-2025
- Business
- The South African
All the fuss for nothing: NO rush to switch to Postbank Black Cards
Great news for millions of South African grant beneficiaries is that SASSA Gold Cards will remain operational beyond 31 May 2025, ensuring uninterrupted access to social grants. The announcement made last week, comes as a relief for beneficiaries who have not yet migrated to the new Postbank Black Cards, putting an end to any uncertainty about payment disruptions. In a statement, Postbank reassured users that Gold Cards will continue to function across all payment platforms, including ATMs, retail stores, and POS devices. This means beneficiaries can still withdraw cash, make purchases, and access their funds as usual – no immediate switch is required. 'We remain committed to ensuring no beneficiary is left without access to their grants,' said Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe. 'In keeping with our commitment that we made that Postbank will ensure that no beneficiary will be left with no access to their grants and that there will be no disruptions in payments of grants, Gold Cards will continue to work until every beneficiary is transitioned to the new black card. 'We are therefore hopeful and confident that this announcement addresses any concern relating to the payments of any beneficiaries that may not have yet obtained their Black Cards,' Mbengashe, explained. The CEO advised social grant beneficiaries to ignore any call that they must change banks, as this is unnecessary. 'We plead with them to be wary of misleading information that their Gold Cards will not work and that they need to change banks because of this,' she said. Beneficiaries are also asked to always only respond to Postbank published communication when it comes to their SASSA Gold Cards and the Black Cards, as the only authorised entity that is responsible for the issuing of these cards. Beneficiaries are further advised that whenever they come across any information regarding their cards that has not been communicated by Postbank, they should not believe what is being said. Postbank said this will prevent beneficiaries from being misled as the entity observes increased amounts of incorrect information being communicated about the SASSA cards recently. 'As the Gold Cards will continue to work and all beneficiaries can continue to use those cards and their Black Cards to access payments, Postbank notifies the beneficiaries that it has put a temporary suspension of the distribution of new Black Cards in its sites until further notice. 'This, however, has no impact on anyone who currently has a Postbank Black Card, as that card will continue to work as per normal,' the entity said. The Postbank card distribution sites, however, will remain open and available to beneficiaries to access the following services: • PIN resets• Reissuing of Black Cards for any beneficiary that has experienced a lost/stolen card incident • Beneficiaries seeking to register for the cardless payment alternative
The South African
25-04-2025
- Business
- The South African
UPDATE: SASSA Gold Cards to remain valid beyond May 2025
Postbank has announced that South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Gold Cards will continue to work beyond the previously communicated deadline of 31 May 2025. This update ensures uninterrupted grant access for thousands of beneficiaries still using the Gold Card. The statement, released on Thursday, clarified that the cards remain valid for all payment transactions, including ATM withdrawals, point-of-sale purchases, and cash withdrawals at Postbank's retail partners. 'Gold Cards will continue to work until every beneficiary is transitioned to the new black card,' explained Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe. This decision is a relief for many who have yet to migrate to the new Postbank Black Card system. Postbank cautioned beneficiaries to ignore false messaging urging them to switch banks. The CEO advised the public to disregard any unofficial communication regarding the deactivation of Gold Cards. 'We plead with them to be wary of misleading information that their Gold Cards will not work and that they need to change banks because of this,' Mbengashe said. Beneficiaries are urged to only trust information officially released by Postbank and to verify any card-related updates directly through its channels. The bank has observed a rise in misinformation circulating, contributing to confusion among grant recipients. While Gold Cards remain active, Postbank has temporarily suspended the rollout of new Black Cards at its distribution sites. This pause does not affect current Black Card users, whose cards will continue functioning normally. Services like PIN resets, card replacements for lost or stolen Black Cards, and registration for cardless payment options remain available at Postbank sites. The bank thanked beneficiaries for their patience as it works to improve service delivery and user experience. By continuing both card types, Postbank aims to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted payments for all. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
