Shock revelations show half of Ekurhuleni top officials are underqualified

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.”

At the centre of the controversy is Mbengashe’s academic record, which allegedly lacks the legally required undergraduate degree for the position — a requirement under South Africa’s Local Government: Municipal Systems Act and Regulations on the Appointment of Senior Managers.

A confidential letter from the Municipal Executive and Corporate Staff Union (MECSU), addressed to city officials, specifically questions Mbengashe's qualification, claiming, “He is allegedly holding a Master's Degree from the University of Salford in the UK, but does not possess a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification.” The letter, signed by General Secretary Vukile Mlungwana, demands verification and threatens external legal action if ignored.

Independent reports have echoed these concerns. A story published by The Star revealed that Mbengashe is among a growing list of politically connected figures allegedly exploiting a loophole involving foreign qualifications.

According to the report, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has often recognised such international postgraduate qualifications without adequate scrutiny of the prerequisite undergraduate credentials.

Adding further fuel to the controversy, a leaked council report shows that out of 288 applicants for the Communications HOD position, Mbengashe, who allegedly lacks both proper qualifications and requisite managerial experience, emerged as the preferred candidate. The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Independent Citizens Movement (ICM) councillors have questioned how the vetting panel could have overlooked these glaring discrepancies.

Dr. Joe Mojapelo, ICM leader and councillor in Ekurhuleni, has written to Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, calling for urgent intervention. “It is clear the process was pushed through without proper verification or transparency,” said Mojapelo. “This is not just a flawed appointment — it is a potential violation of municipal law.”

Sources within the City of Ekurhuleni claim the situation is symptomatic of a broader problem. “At least 50% of senior staff in the municipality are underqualified or were irregularly appointed,” one insider alleged. “These are not isolated incidents; it’s a systemic governance issue.”

Meanwhile, MEC Mamabolo has formally requested a Regulation 17 Report detailing the appointment process and addressing all allegations. His office has indicated that if the report confirms procedural flaws or qualifications fraud, he may invoke Section 56(6) of the Municipal Systems Act to declare the appointment invalid.

Yet, Mayor Xhakaza remains silent. Requests for comment have gone unanswered, and no internal probe has been announced. Critics suggest that his reluctance to act may be rooted in political loyalties or fears of wider fallout if the appointment is reversed.

With the Regulation 17 Report due and public pressure mounting, Ekurhuleni faces a pivotal moment. Whether the city will uphold transparency and the rule of law, or continue to shield politically favoured individuals, remains to be seen.

“This isn’t just about one man,” said Mokoena. “It’s about the credibility of our entire municipal administration.”

This is a developing story.