ActionSA and the ACDP have raised concerns over what they describe as the City of Ekurhuleni’s continued failure to conclude disciplinary processes.

They have warned that delays are undermining public trust and accountability, particularly in light of recent arrests involving senior officials.

In a statement, ActionSA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo said the prolonged handling of disciplinary matters has created a culture of impunity within the municipality.

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Khumalo highlighted that residents have been forced to watch suspended officials continue receiving full salaries while internal investigations drag on indefinitely. He stressed that such delays cannot be dismissed as mere administrative backlogs but instead reflect a deeper failure in consequence management.

The concerns come amid the arrest of several senior officials, including deputy chief of police Julius Mkhwanazi, head of corporate legal services Kemi Behari, and human resources head Linda Gxasheka.

ActionSA argues that despite the seriousness of these allegations, the City has failed to finalise internal disciplinary proceedings, leaving key departments in a state of uncertainty.

According to Khumalo, the continued payment of full salaries to implicated officials sends the wrong message to residents and suggests that political considerations may be taking precedence over accountability. He warned that this approach erodes confidence in governance and weakens the city’s credibility.

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He stated that the inability to conclude disciplinary matters has impacted service delivery, as leadership instability continues to affect critical municipal functions.

The party believes that failure to act decisively not only damages the City’s reputation but also compromises its commitment to clean governance. The party has called on the ANC-led coalition government in Ekurhuleni to urgently prioritise the finalisation of all outstanding disciplinary cases.

It is also demanding that clear consequences be enforced where wrongdoing is found, in order to restore public confidence and demonstrate a commitment to accountability.

“Accountability must be both immediate and visible,” said Khumalo.

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The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) in Ekurhuleni also shared the same sentiments, as they call for accountability and ethical leadership following the recent arrests of senior municipal officials, stressing that residents deserve proper service delivery rather than ongoing controversy.

ACDP councillor Palesa Yates said the party expects due process to be followed after the arrests of the four officials.

“After the widespread publicity of the Madlanga Commission, our arrested Ekurhuleni officials need their day in court. The ACDP trusts that law enforcement officials who carried out these arrests have done so diligently and will continue to pursue justice,” said Yates.

The party also renewed its call for justice in the killing of municipal auditor Mpho Mafole, who was gunned down in Kempton Park more than a year ago. Yates said the lack of answers surrounding the murder remains a serious concern.

“We will continue to call for justice for our slain auditor. It has been over a year since his brutal killing, and many questions remain unanswered,” she said.

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In addition, the ACDP has called for the precautionary suspension of the current City Manager pending the outcome of ongoing investigations, arguing that public confidence in the municipality must be protected.

“City leaders must not only be ethical, but must be seen to be ethical at all times. Ratepayers deserve service delivery, not shenanigans,” added Yates.

A request for comment was sent to the city on Friday at 10:30, with the deadline of Monday 09.30.