The ActionSA in Ekurhuleni has called on the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to urgently move to preserve and seize the assets of former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi should allegations of corruption against her be proven, arguing that public funds must be recovered and returned to service delivery.
The party’s demand follows recent revelations surrounding Mashazi’s alleged involvement in a luxury private jet trip to London reportedly funded by a municipal contractor doing business with the City of Ekurhuleni.
ActionSA Ekurhuleni spokesperson Tumelo Tshabalala said accountability required more than investigations and that authorities must ensure any money unlawfully obtained from the public purse is recovered.
“Public funds exist to deliver services to the people of Ekurhuleni, not to enrich politically connected individuals,” Tshabalala said.
“Accountability demands consequences, and the recovery of stolen public money is the first non-negotiable step toward restoring the trust of residents.”
The party was reacting to recent reports detailing allegations against Mashazi, including claims that she failed to declare a luxury private jet trip valued at approximately R3.35 million.
According to reports, Mashazi, her husband and two associates travelled to London aboard a chartered private jet in July 2022. Financial records allegedly show that the flight was paid for by XET Solutions, a company holding a multimillion-rand contract with the City of Ekurhuleni.
The allegations have since prompted a criminal investigation by Gauteng police.
Tshabalala said if the allegations are confirmed, the SIU must move swiftly to prevent any assets from being dissipated.
“Should these findings be confirmed, the SIU must move immediately to preserve and seize assets of all implicated parties to safeguard public resources,” he said.
Beyond the allegations against Mashazi, ActionSA also raised concerns about the continued relationship between the municipality and XET Solutions.
The party questioned why the company continued to receive business from the metro despite mounting calls for scrutiny of its contracts.
“ActionSA is alarmed that XET Solutions continues to receive business from the City of Ekurhuleni despite outstanding calls for an investigation into this tender,” Tshabalala said.
“As an immediate intervention, all payments to the company must be suspended until the city can prove value for money was achieved.”
ActionSA further called for the matter to be referred to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) for urgent investigation.
“This tender must further be referred to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee without delay and treated as a matter of urgent priority,” Tshabalala said.
The party argued that decisive intervention was necessary to restore public confidence in the municipality and demonstrate that corruption would not go unpunished.
“Only through immediate action, asset recovery and uncompromising accountability will the people of Ekurhuleni see justice.”
Mashazi has been at the centre of controversy for months following allegations of procurement irregularities and claims of a close relationship between senior municipal officials and service providers doing business with the metro.
The allegations have fuelled concerns about governance and oversight within one of South Africa’s largest metropolitan municipalities.
ActionSA said it would continue to push for accountability until all allegations have been fully investigated.
“We will hold the line until every cent stolen from residents is accounted for, recovered and returned to service delivery,” Tshabalala said.
