Xhakaza urges Mashazi to respect Ekurhuleni council decision to place her on special leave
Mashazi, who is 65 years old, has been placed on special leave because she has passed the eligible age limit to hold a senior municipal position.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza. Picture: X/City_Ekurhuleni
JOHANNEBURG - Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza has urged city manager Imogen Mashazi to respect the council’s decision to place her on special leave.
Mashazi, who is 65 years old, has been placed on special leave because she has passed the eligible age limit to hold a senior municipal position.
ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi refuses to vacate her position
However, Mashazi argued that being placed on special leave implies she'd done something wrong.
Speaking at a media briefing in Germiston on Friday, Xhakaza said Mashazi should "pack her bags" regardless of her objections.
"Council has arrived at a decision and until such time a decision is reconsidered, it is binding. When a senior manager turns 65, they must retire and in preparation for that. Council arrived at that decision and it's a decision we expect to be followed to the latter."
Doctor Xhakaza, the mayor of Ekurhuleni, has called a media briefing to respond to Mashazi’s refusal to take special leave.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) June 5, 2025
EWN has seen a letter from Xhakaza to Mashazi, instructing her to pack her bags.
However, Mashazi insists she will remain in her role. @JusstAlpha pic.twitter.com/3Ku76MklEp