Latest news with #NkosindiphileXhakaza
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Birchleigh residents fix streetlights after city fails to act
Residents of Ebbe Street in Birchleigh took matters into their own hands after months of dealing with cable theft, malfunctioning streetlights and potholes, which made their neighbourhood unsafe, especially after dark. Despite Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza announcing on March 27 that the city would scrap the fee to replace stolen service cables, residents say the city charged them R1 725 each to restore power, an amount the city said they should pay individually, despite several homes connected to a single pole. ALSO READ: City rolls out new waste trucks to improve service delivery Frustrated but determined, the community united to solve its problems. They fixed the streetlights, protected the cables to prevent future theft, and restored safety and dignity to their neighbourhood. 'We fixed the lights ourselves and covered the cables with steel so that if someone tries to cut them again, we'll hear it from inside our homes,' said a resident. Ronell Erasmus said not having working streetlights had severely impacted security and quality of life. 'It's dangerous. You can't go out at night, so you're stuck inside. Even if there's a burglary, you hesitate to go out because you don't know what's waiting for you in the dark,' she explained. 'Now that the lights work, we feel safer. We can see what's going on around the house. It's amazing how everyone pitched in to help. Hats off to everyone who worked on this.' ALSO READ: City brings services to residents at Kempton Park Open Day The danger extended beyond personal safety, with drivers unfamiliar with the area often swerving into potholes or risking crashes due to poor visibility. Resident Gerhard de Bruyn said the change had brought great relief. 'Having the lights back on has made such a difference. My wife sometimes travels late, and it just wasn't safe before. There were so many dark corners where people could hide. Now, we feel much more secure,' he said. De Bruyn praised the spirit of co-operation that made the restoration possible. 'I'm so happy we worked together as a community to get those lights shining again,' he added. Resident Abraham Magane echoed this sentiment, saying their collective efforts improved safety and strengthened community spirit. 'Unity makes everything possible. If we hadn't done this together, our neighbourhood would still be unsafe. I'm proud of what we achieved, and if the thieves try to return, they won't succeed. We've protected the cables with steel,' he said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
City's plans to eliminate reconnection fees for stolen power cables gets underway
City's plans to eliminate reconnection fees for stolen power cables gets underway City of Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, during his State of the City Address (SOCA) in March 2025, made an announcement calling for the removal of the fee for reinstatement of stolen residential service connection cables. As such, the city's energy department has started with a council approval process that will fast-track the amendment and the implementation of the promulgated electricity by-law. This amendment will form part of the city's budget process, but it requires council approval processes. Upon council approval, the outcome will be announced publicly and implemented immediately. In the interim, the charge of R1 500 excl VAT (R1 725 @ 15% VAT) will remain in place as part of the council's promulgated tariff until the amendment process is concluded. The municipality appeals for understanding and patience of ratepayers in this regard. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
City extends deadline for EMPD officers for disciplinary notices
The City of Ekurhuleni has extended the deadline for EMPD officers to respond to pre-dismissal notices related to the unlawful strike and highway blockades on March 19. This follows a high-level engagement held on May 6 between the city's leadership and representatives of the South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU). Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, accompanied by MMC for Community Safety Alderman Sizakele Masuku and senior officials, met with SAMWU to address the union's concerns about the disciplinary process currently underway. Central to the discussions was the timeframe afforded to officers to submit their responses to the pre-dismissal letters. ALSO READ: 389 EMPD officers face disciplinary action for illegal protest SAMWU appealed for more time, highlighting the complexity and seriousness of the charges faced by affected officers. Acknowledging the union's request, the city agreed in principle to extend the deadline for written submissions until the close of business on May 9. The acting mayoral spokesperson, Ramatolo Tlotleng, said that the city remains resolute in upholding discipline, particularly among members of essential services. 'While we are committed to a fair and transparent process, we cannot overlook the gravity of the misconduct, which includes illegal highway blockades and the unauthorised use of municipal resources,' Tlotleng said. Ekurhuleni reaffirmed that each case will be considered on its merits, taking into account the level of misconduct and whether any expression of remorse has been shown. Tlotleng added that the pre-dismissal process is not a blanket approach. It allows every implicated officer the opportunity to present their case. He highlighted that fairness and due process are paramount. The city also issued a stern warning regarding intimidation tactics allegedly employed by certain officers to dissuade colleagues from reporting for duty. ALSO READ: Gauteng committee warns of fallout from EMPD suspensions 'Such behaviour is not only a breach of the municipal code of conduct, but also criminal. These incidents have been escalated to the National Commissioner of SAPS and the Hawks for urgent investigation,' Tlotleng said. Looking ahead, the Office of the Executive Mayor has committed to continued dialogue with organised labour through the Local Labour Forum. These talks aim to address ongoing workplace concerns, including those stemming from the recent institutional review, and to promote the well-being of municipal employees. The city reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on unlawful behaviour and reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding municipal employees, infrastructure, and the rights of law-abiding residents. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- The Citizen
Ekurhuleni mayor slams EMPD officers for alleged intimidation, overtime abuse after illegal strike
Nearly 400 EMPD officers were suspended this week following a major protest in March. Some Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officers are allegedly threatening colleagues who report to work, while also taking advantage of overtime benefits. This is according to City of Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza. Xhakaza addressed the media on Thursday following the municipality's decision to take disciplinary action against EMPD officers involved in the illegal strike that took place on 19 March. The protest, which stemmed from disputes over pay and the reduction of overtime hours, resulted in major roads across Gauteng being blocked. The officers involved have since been suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary hearings. City of Ekurhuleni addresses EMPD illegal strike The mayor confirmed that the city has extended the deadline for 389 officers who received pre-termination letters earlier this week, allowing them additional time to submit written representations explaining why they should not be dismissed. Xhakaza stressed that each case will be handled individually. 'Let me be clear that this is not a blanket dismissal. Each case will be reviewed individually, with due consideration of each officer's involvement,' the mayor said on Thursday. He also addressed reports of intimidation aimed at officers who continue to report for duty. 'This is completely unacceptable and we are dealing with this matter with the seriousness it deserves,' he said. ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni officials berate EMPD officers after 'premature and unnecessary' strike paralyses city The threats, allegedly made by some of the suspended officers, have prompted the city to escalate the matter to the South African Police Service (Saps) and the Hawks. 'There is nobody who must intimidate others when they report for duty. You can't have WhatsApp voice notes circulating around, heckling those who are reporting to work that they must [wear] a bulletproof. 'We want to issue a warning to those engaging in such conduct. Intimidation will not be tolerated and legal action will follow.' EMPD officers abusing overtime abuse Xhakaza also raised alarm over alleged widespread abuse of overtime within the EMPD. 'We want our workers to work optimally during their normal working hours. [From] eight to five, you must be at work; you don't wait until after hours.' Xhakaza highlighted the financial implications of overtime abuse, revealing that nearly R200 million is spent on overtime each quarter, with 50% of that attributed to EMPD. READ MORE: Illegal EMPD strike fails to take off 'If crime statistics are not showing a significant downward trend, it raises questions about the justification for ongoing overtime expenditure.' He reaffirmed the metro's commitment to reducing excessive dependence on overtime across the municipality. 'The city will intensify its focus on performance driven deployment to ensure that taxpayers' funds are spent effectively.' Engagement with labour unions to continue Xhakaza added that the city will continue dialogue with labour unions, including the South African Municipal Workers' Union and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union. '[The city is] committed to continue engagements through the Local Labour Forum to address concerns constructively and transparently,' the mayor said. READ MORE: Six EMPD officers arrested for alleged extortion of Congolese national 'I wanted to emphasise that the city remains committed to dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes, but we will not compromise on the rule of law and public safety. 'As we move forward, the city will intensify its engagements with organised labour. We will prioritise the consequences and we will work towards restoring discipline within our law enforcement ranks.' Legislature warns of risks amid EMPD suspensions The Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has raised concerns over the suspension of EMPD officers. While the committee acknowledged the City of Ekurhuleni's right to discipline employees involved in serious misconduct, it warned that removing such a significant number of officers at once could undermine law enforcement capacity and disrupt traffic management services. The committee urged the metro to swiftly put contingency plans in place to minimise the impact of the officer suspensions. It also called on the municipality to prioritise resolving the ongoing labour dispute without further delay. NOW READ: Gauteng government setting 'terrible example' by owing City of Ekurhuleni R382.3m
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.
