Half of Ekurhuleni's top officials lack necessary qualifications

SHOCKING REVELATIONS

- SIFISO MAHLANGU [e-mail]

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.”