The City of Ekurhuleni has officially appointed Kagiso Lerutla, a chartered accountant, as its new city manager.

The announcement was made last Thursday during the ordinary council meeting.

Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said Lerutla’s appointment follows what it described as a “transparent, merit-based, and legally compliant” recruitment process in line with the Municipal Systems Act and the Local Government Regulations on the appointment and conditions of employment of senior managers.

However, the appointment has not been without controversy. The DA did not support the appointment, raising concerns about Lerutla.

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“We believe the candidate should have been one with a proven track record of administrative reform, financial stabilisation, and institutional turnaround as it’s what is required,” said Brandon Pretorius, DA Ekurhuleni Caucus Leader.

Pretorius said the current group chief financial officer’s track record is not impressive.

“Lerutla is responsible for the day-to-day financial running of the city. He has allowed the city to slide into financial collapse.

“For the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year under Lerutla, outstanding debtors amounted to R32.9b, of which R4.6b is over 90 days in arrears,” said Pretorius.

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Some of the candidates who applied for the position have also expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that the process was not conducted in a fully open or impartial manner.

Former chief operating officer Lesiba Mojapelo expressed his disapproval. He alleged this was part of a wider pattern of administrative manipulation aimed at installing pliable figures in key positions.

Mojapelo said “less-deserving candidates”, including individuals who once served under his supervision were shortlisted, while his own application was deliberately excluded.

“Ekurhuleni’s appointment processes have become a theatre of political patronage and merit no longer determines who leads departments, loyalty does.

“This is not the first time we raised these concerns about the processes; and also, the report does not give enough feedback on how this candidate was selected,” said Mojapelo.

Despite the objections, the majority of council members voted in favour of Lerutla’s appointment.

Lerutla, who previously served as the acting city manager, brings over 13 years of senior leadership experience in public finance, governance, and institutional reform.

He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Regenesys Business School, a BCom (Honours) in Accounting from the University of Johannesburg, and a BCompt Degree from the University of Limpopo.

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During his tenure as GCFO, Ekurhuleni achieved three consecutive clean audits, a record the city attributes to his focus on accountability, sound financial management, and ethical leadership.

The mayor said his new role as city manager will see him at the helm of the municipality’s administration, overseeing service delivery, financial sustainability, and institutional renewal.

He said Lerutla’s leadership will focus on reinforcing compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), driving good governance, and aligning strategic goals with the city’s Integrated Development Plan and Growth and Development Strategy 2055.