A chartered private jet trip to London, politically connected businessmen and a multimillion-rand municipal tender have become the focus of a growing controversy involving former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi.
The latest allegations surfaced after reports revealed that Mashazi was a passenger on a private flight to London in 2022, allegedly funded by controversial businessman Ze Nxumalo. Also on board was pharmacist Dineo Seletswane, who later secured a R10 million fuel supply tender from the City of Ekurhuleni.
The revelations have reignited concerns about possible links between influential business figures and municipal procurement decisions within one of Gauteng’s largest metros.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Monday opened a criminal case against Mashazi at the Germiston police station, arguing that the allegations point to a pattern of questionable conduct that warrants criminal investigation.
DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane said evidence suggests the flight was funded through XET Solutions, a company that reportedly held an active contract with the city at the time. The company has been linked to businessman Ntokozo Xaba, who allegedly arranged the trip.
Mashazi has also come under scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where testimony implicated her in allegedly shielding corrupt officials and abusing her authority while serving as city manager.
As investigations continue, the controversy is raising fresh questions about transparency, accountability and the influence of politically connected businesspeople in municipal tender processes.