Corruption Charges Filed Against Ekurhuleni’s Former Administrator and Technology Company
Ekurhuleni city prosecutors have initiated criminal corruption proceedings against Imogen Mashazi, the former city administrator, alongside technology firm XET Solutions. This action follows allegations of tender fraud linked to their operations within the municipality.
The Crown Prosecution Service has indicated that in July 2022, Mashazi accepted a charter flight to London valued at millions of rand but reportedly neglected to disclose this transaction.
Katushelo Lasilingwane, the Democratic Alliance’s mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni and a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, commented on the matter, stating that the payments for the flight originated from XET Solutions. At that time, the firm was actively engaged in bidding for contracts with the city.
Lasilingwane emphasized that the allegations expose a troubling pattern of financial misappropriation, with billions in public funds potentially misused amid a decline in service delivery. She raised concerns that the former administrator may have breached the city’s Supply Chain Management Policy, along with several relevant legislative frameworks, including the Municipal Systems Act, the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), and the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.
The Democratic Alliance has also scrutinized XET Solutions’ role in the municipal contracts concerning Ekurhuleni’s billing infrastructure. “We have significant concerns regarding XET Solutions, which won a bid to manage key infrastructure related to electronic bill payments, thus becoming integral to the city’s billing system,” Lasilingwane noted.
She specifically referenced Tender A-ICT 02-2021, which was awarded during the tenure of former Mayor Mzwandile Masina. This contract entailed support, maintenance, upgrades, expansion, and skills development for the city’s Enterprise Resource Planning System, known as SOLAR.
Lasilingwane pointed out that SOLAR has been allegedly compromised by criminal gangs, resulting in the misappropriation of approximately R2 billion from the city. “Following Mashazi’s trip to London, XET Solutions was awarded yet another contract, A-ICT 04-2023, to continue work on the SOLAR system,” she noted.
“We must ask an urgent question: Were any individuals affiliated with XET Solutions involved in the misappropriation of R2 billion from the city, and what role did Imogen Mashazi play in this context?” Lasilingwane stated.
The Democratic Alliance has called for a comprehensive investigation into these allegations, asserting that any individuals found guilty should face accountability. “We are committed to asking the tough questions and holding corrupt officials accountable. Our vision is for a city that serves all its residents, rather than one that is for sale to the highest bidder,” Lasilingwane remarked. He urged residents to engage actively in the democratic process, emphasizing that voter participation is crucial in the fight against corruption and in enhancing governance in the city.
At this stage, these allegations remain untested in court, and no formal findings of wrongdoing have been made against either Mashazi or XET Solutions.
