The city manager of Ekurhuleni, Kagiso Lerutla, has initiated a strategic engagement with the Wits School of Governance (WSG) to explore areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening governance and institutional performance.

The engagement, held with the head of WSG, Professor Themba Maseko, forms part of the city manager’s broader programme of institutional renewal under the #FixingTheFrontline initiative.

This initial meeting focused on identifying key areas requiring intervention, including risk management, change management, reputational governance, and the reconfiguration of accountability systems within the city.

ALSO READ: Letter: Ekurhuleni residents question service delivery as streets deteriorate

The discussions also explored the potential undertaking of a governance maturity assessment to provide a structured and evidence-based understanding of institutional gaps and to guide targeted reforms.

The city emphasises that this engagement marks the beginning of a consultative process and does not constitute a formalised partnership at this stage. Further engagements will be undertaken to refine the scope and nature of any potential collaboration.

The WSG brings significant expertise in public sector capacity building, including executive education, municipal finance programmes, and advisory services to government institutions.

ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni city manager visits Thembisa cemetery to address service backlogs

The city is encouraged by the depth of insight shared during the engagement and the potential to leverage this expertise in support of its reform agenda.

The city remains committed to confronting its challenges with transparency and accountability.

Through structured engagements, the city is laying the foundation for strengthened governance, improved institutional performance, and enhanced service delivery to residents.

Further updates will be communicated as the process unfolds.