Brigadier Mkhwanazi Pledges Loyalty to Ekurhuleni City Manager Amid Misconduct Controversy

Brigadier Mkhwanazi Pledges Loyalty to Ekurhuleni City Manager Amid Misconduct Controversy

A video played at the Madlanga Commission this week has reignited scrutiny of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) after suspended Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi publicly declared his willingness to “take a bullet” for city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi.

The pledge came in December 2023 during what was described as an informal Christmas gathering organized by Mashazi’s office, a gathering not sanctioned as an official municipal event but reportedly involving hand-picked employees close to the city manager.

“Mama, We Will Die for You”

In the video, employees chant a celebratory song, “umama lo osizalayo” (“this is our mother who gave birth to us”), while pointing at Mashazi at the centre of the group. Amid the chanting, Mkhwanazi, clad in a white golf T-shirt, shouts:

“Mama, we will die for you. I will take a bullet for you.”

Mashazi responds with a simple, “Thank you,” as the jubilant scene continues.

Xolani Nciza, former divisional head of Employee Relations, told the commission that while the statement might appear symbolic, it reflects a deeper loyalty to an individual rather than to the institution.

“This is beyond the ordinary loyalty expected in a municipality. It shows that a senior officer is pledging allegiance to a person rather than to the institution or the public they serve,” Nciza said.

A Troubled Department

Nciza’s testimony highlighted a series of upheavals at EMPD throughout 2023. Allegations of misconduct were submitted in February, investigations stalled in June, and by August, confusion over de facto leadership left the department without a functioning chief of police.

During this period:

• Chief of Police Jabulani Isaac Mapiyeye was placed on special leave.

• Former Deputy Chief Goodman Mzolo retired.

• Nciza himself was suspended.

• Mkhwanazi, despite misconduct charges and IPID recommendations for corruption discipline, was promoted to deputy chief.

The commission heard that Mkhwanazi’s pledge of loyalty followed his promotion, which he attributed to Mashazi’s intervention and protection.

“She has not only secured my continued employment but advanced me against all odds, changing processes that have stood the test of time,” Nciza recounted Mkhwanazi saying.

Loyalty vs. Duty

Commissioner Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC questioned the appropriateness of Mkhwanazi’s statement, noting that such pledges are normally reserved for trained VIP protectors responsible for safeguarding a principal.

Nciza explained:

“The only instance where a person is expected to take a bullet is in the line of duty as a trained protector. Mkhwanazi has never been one of those people. His statement disrupts organisational discipline because it shifts loyalty from the institution to an individual.”

Nciza described the incident as “beyond an anomaly,” illustrating the risks posed when senior officials prioritize personal allegiance over public service and municipal governance.

Implications for Municipal Governance

The pledge raises broader questions about governance, accountability, and the culture within Ekurhuleni’s administration. Critics argue that the incident illustrates how personal loyalties can undermine institutional integrity, especially when promotions and disciplinary processes appear influenced by favoritism.

Social media reactions were quick, with many South Africans expressing disbelief at the video and questioning the transparency of municipal processes. Observers note that public confidence in law enforcement can be eroded when senior officers publicly display loyalty to individuals rather than to the communities they are sworn to protect.

A Commission Under Scrutiny

As the Madlanga Commission continues to probe these and other incidents, the Mkhwanazi video stands as a vivid example of the tensions between personal loyalty and institutional responsibility, a reminder of the delicate balance required to maintain public trust in governance.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com