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The Citizen
2 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Ekurhuleni's first female city manager retires after decades of service
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.
Eyewitness News
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
City of Ekurhuleni to begin process of finding new city manager
JOHANNESBURG - The City of Ekurhuleni is preparing to begin the process of appointing a new city manager to succeed the outgoing Imogen Mashazi. Mashazi, the metro's first woman city manager, is scheduled to retire in August. However, the 65-year-old has declined to comply with a council resolution placing her on special leave ahead of her retirement. The council made the decision last week, citing the Municipal Systems Act, which prohibits individuals over the age of 65 from holding senior positions. Mashazi is unhappy about being placed on special leave just three months before her retirement. The city said it had to act in line with the Municipal Systems Act and would be in contravention of the law if it allowed her to continue working. While Mashazi said she won't accept the special leave, Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza announced that the search for her replacement would begin soon. 'We have been granted the right to advertise the position, but you can't deal with advertising if you haven't clarified this one.' Mashazi had been hoping the city would at least allow her to finish her term, which is set to end in the next two years.
Eyewitness News
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Ekurhuleni city manager cries fowl after being placed on special leave, deems it unlawful
JOHANNESBURG - Outgoing Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi believes the City Council's decision to place her on special leave is unlawful. The council put Mashazi on special leave last week, ahead of her scheduled retirement in August. This decision is based on the Municipal Systems Act, which restricts individuals over the age of 65 from holding the position. ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi placed on special leave pending her retirement However, Mashazi says she's well within her rights to continue carrying out her duties. "Regulations say the council must apply for a waiver to a minister, which former Mayor Tanya Campbell did because she followed the law. She wrote to the minister to request him to give us the waiver so that I can work beyond 65." Speaking at a media briefing on Friday, Ekuhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza says Mashazi's continued presence at the city manager's office will contravene regulations. "It's a legal prescript that says you are at work until you turn 65, and it's across the board. It's general knowledge. The law says unless council has passed a resolution to activate a waiver, there is nothing we can do."
Eyewitness News
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi refuses to vacate her position
JOHANNESBURG - Outgoing Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi has refused to vacate her position despite being placed on special leave. The city council placed her on special leave last week until her retirement date in August. This was done because Mashazi has reached the age of 65, and senior positions in local government can only be held by people younger. Although the Municipal Systems Act prohibits her continued occupancy of the city manager's office, Mashazi wants to finish her term in office, despite the age limit. Unlike political positions in local government, senior administrative roles can only be held by individuals under the age of 65. This is the main reason why Mashazi is in conflict with the city's political leaders, who have placed her on special leave. In a statement, Mashazi claims that there is an effort to damage her reputation and believes the attempts to remove her are not solely based on her age. However, the Municipal Systems Act states that any senior manager over 65 must step down the month following their birthday. Despite this regulation and the council's decision to place her on special leave, Mashazi said she would continue carrying out her duties.
Eyewitness News
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi placed on special leave pending her retirement
JOHANNESBURG - Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi has been placed on special leave, pending the 65-year-old's retirement. There has been growing tension between Mashazi and the city, as she refuses to step down before completing her term. Her refusal is in direct conflict with the Municipal Systems Act, which requires senior managers to retire a month after turning 65. Ekurhuleni's first woman city manager is not buckling under pressure to vacate her post, insisting she will serve out her full term, which ends in May 2026. Mashazi is supposed to retire in August but intends to remain in office until her contract expires. The city has subsequently placed Mashazi on special leave until her pending retirement in August. But she refuses to comply, arguing that she is still capable of performing her duties and cannot be forced out. EWN has seen a letter from Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza ordering Mashazi to vacate her office, citing her continued presence as unlawful.
