Ekurhuleni's first female city manager retires after decades of service

The Citizen

28-07-2025

Speaking during her farewell ceremony, city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi reflected on a career marked by both triumphs and challenges.
While her tenure included many successes and memorable moments, she also faced serious trials, including political interference and what she alluded to as a possible poisoning attempt.
The farewell ceremony was held on July 17 at the Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre in Kempton Park. Guests, including friends and senior officials from the administration and council, gathered to honour her legacy and wish her well.
Mashazi, affectionately known as uMama, joined the City of Ekurhuleni over three decades ago. She rose through the ranks from operational staff member to heading the Health and Social Development Department.
She also served as acting CEO for Nigel, became Chief Operations Officer, and was ultimately appointed city manager in 2016.
She holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve as Ekurhuleni city manager and the first in the city's democratic history to complete a five-year fixed term and retire in office.
She is also the fourth city manager since the dawn of democracy. Although she was serving a second consecutive term set to end in 2027, her time in office was cut short this month after reaching the agreed retirement age of 65. She is set to officially leave office on July 31.
During the event, which also marked her 65th birthday, Mashazi made a shocking revelation: she believes she may have been poisoned.
'My health took a toll on me in March. All my organs were failing, and I spent two weeks in ICU. Even today, we don't know if it was poison or what,' she said.
'The doctor told me that had I delayed another hour in seeking medical attention, I wouldn't be standing here. The poison was already moving to my brain. As a woman of prayer, I dedicated my healing to the Almighty God, and I'm truly grateful to still be alive. I never thought I would reach 65.'
She shared how Psalm 23:4 gave her comfort during the ordeal: 'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.'
Mashazi also used the platform to address political interference in administrative affairs. She urged accounting officers, heads of departments and managers to resist being manipulated by politicians.
'Yes, respect your principals (MMCs), but remember that your accounting officer, the city manager, is your boss,' she said.
'It's important for city officials not to play politics. Focus on fulfilling your contract, not on pleasing politicians, because ultimately, you are accountable for your department, not to a politician.'
Speakers paid tribute to Mashazi's firm leadership and her unwavering commitment to good governance. They described her as an iron lady who remained resilient in the face of adversity.
She consistently resisted outside influence that could have compromised service delivery. Mashazi said that despite the difficulties, she never considered giving up.
'I have witnessed first-hand the resilience and dedication of this team. I'm proud of how we have grown together and what we've achieved.'
During her term, the City of Ekurhuleni achieved several notable successes, including back-to-back clean audits from the Auditor-General of South Africa. Under her leadership, the city was once ranked the top-performing municipality in the country for governance. Cape Town later overtook Ekurhuleni, placing it in second position.
Mashazi was also recognised with the Public Sector Leader Award at the 2020 Virtual Top Empowerment Awards. Through her leadership, many city officials, especially women, were empowered to grow professionally.
'Although it has not been an easy journey, it has been a good challenge. I was able to fulfil my passion for building and professionalising the institution. There was a time when women were stuck at the same level, but we've seen many climb the ladder.'
'I brought you all together today to say goodbye after serving for almost a decade. While I'm excited about the next chapter, I'm deeply grateful for the journey we have shared. I want to thank my husband and family for lending me to you. I lost so much time and excitement with them because of my commitment to building this institution,' she said.
'Thank you for playing a role in my life and career. You have each placed a brick on this monument, and for that, I shall be forever grateful.'
Acting city manager Kagiso Lerutla thanked Mashazi for her years of sacrifice and mentorship.
'We want to thank you, Mama, for the sacrifices you made to build this institution. Some of us know what you've endured and the extra miles you travelled to develop others, even outside of your profession. Whatever is said in the media that is not true must never affect you. Those who know, know. Your record speaks for itself. You were the best city manager.'
He added, 'Now is the time to give to yourself. You must be selfish now. Invest in yourself. Rest assured, your legacy, especially the women empowerment programme, will be honoured. That's our commitment.'
Mashazi leaves behind a mixed legacy as Ekurhuleni's first female city manager and the first to complete a full term in office.
Her time in office was not without controversy, including recent rumours that she was reluctant to step down. She denied the claims and said she was puzzled by the decision to place her on special leave ahead of her retirement. The city is expected to begin the process of appointing a new city manager to fill the post.