By Johnathan Paoli
Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has called for honest and constructive engagement with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), as findings emerging from the Madlanga Commission lay bare a period of institutional decline within the metro.
Delivering the State of the City Address on Wednesday, Xhakaza said the municipality had approached the commission with caution, respecting due process and avoiding public commentary on allegations.
“People of Ekurhuleni, over the past months, matters concerning governance within our City have been brought before the Madlanga Commission. We have treated this process with the seriousness it deserves, guided by respect for the rule of law and the institutions tasked with safeguarding accountability,” he said.
“From the beginning, we took a conscious decision not to engage in a running commentary on allegations in the public domain. We have allowed the Commission to do its work without interference, speculation or political posturing. This approach protects the integrity of the process and ensures that outcomes are based on verified evidence.”
Xhakaza said the city had established internal mechanisms to monitor all issues raised before the commission, describing the process as systematic and ongoing.
“At an administrative level, the City established a dedicated team to track all matters raised before the Commission. Every allegation is being recorded, assessed and prepared for the appropriate administrative response where required,” he said.
He confirmed that action had already been taken against implicated officials, including the suspension of senior managers, with most disciplinary processes nearing completion.
“Where action has been required, this administration has not hesitated. Decisive steps have been taken, including the suspension of senior managers implicated in serious allegations, in line with applicable regulations. As we stand today, the majority of disciplinary processes are being finalised,” he said.
The mayor said efforts were underway to strengthen institutional safeguards, particularly within the EMPD, which has come under increasing scrutiny.
“A comprehensive vetting process within the EMPD is being implemented in collaboration with the State Security Agency to ensure that those entrusted with enforcing the law meet the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. This is critical to restoring public confidence,” he said.
While the commission continues its work, Xhakaza said the administration remains focused on stabilising service delivery through interventions such as the “Fixing the Frontline” programme.
“Through this programme, leadership has been visible on the ground, addressing operational challenges and ensuring that residents experience tangible improvements in services,” he said.
He emphasised that the city would act decisively once the commission concludes its work.
“As new allegations emerge, the City remains committed to acting swiftly. When the commission concludes, we stand ready to implement its recommendations, including consequence management and further strengthening of governance systems,” he said.
Xhakaza also acknowledged systemic weaknesses, particularly in financial controls, ahead of the tabling of a delayed Auditor-General report.
“This is a matter we take seriously, and we will approach it with honesty, accountability and decisive action,” he said.
He noted that failures in the metro’s ICT systems — including those linked to solar infrastructure and the Siyakhokha billing platform — would be addressed.
In response, the city has introduced reforms in supply chain management to improve transparency and accountability.
These include reinstating open bid adjudication processes, cancelling non-compliant tenders and referring them to National Treasury for blacklisting, and instituting consequence management against officials who fail to prevent irregularities.
“We will also strengthen partnerships with National Treasury on training in supply chain compliance, and implement lifestyle audits and security clearances for all role players,” Xhakaza said.
The mayor confirmed that several controversial tenders are under investigation.
“Following concerns raised about the chemical toilet tender, the matter has been referred for forensic investigation. A security tender has also been referred to MPAC for further action following a forensic probe,” he said.
Xhakaza added that the city is working to rebuild the image and operational capacity of the EMPD, including the acquisition of 68 new vehicles to enhance crime-fighting capabilities and protect infrastructure.
He said the administration is also repurposing 100 ambulances for law enforcement functions, including mobile alcohol testing centres and speed enforcement units.
A detailed media briefing will be held soon to outline corrective measures and progress on implementing recommendations arising from the commission, as the city seeks to restore governance and rebuild public trust.
INSIDE METROS