SABC Journalists Accused of Shielding Ekurhuleni Mayor as Corruption Storm Deepens

Allegations of corruption inside the Ekurhuleni metro have now spilled into the newsroom, dragging two senior SABC political journalists into a widening scandal that has rattled the state broadcaster and alarmed media watchdogs.

According to a formal complaint sent directly to SABC board chair Khatutshelo Ramukumba and copied to the Presidency, the communications ministry, and the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) the journalists are accused of helping bury negative stories about Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza. In return, their privately owned companies allegedly benefited from communications-related tenders inside the city.

The claims, made by a coalition calling itself “Concerned Civic Organisations and Workers of Ekurhuleni,” paint a troubling picture of a metro where political muscle, municipal procurement and media coverage allegedly intertwine in ways that undermine public trust.

Alleged ‘Coordinated Relationship’ Between Newsroom and City

The complaint alleges that the two journalists, who report directly to SABC political editor Mzwandile Mbeje, strategically leveraged their newsroom authority to influence which corruption stories were pursued or quietly buried.

The letter describes a “coordinated relationship” in which the journalists’ companies were positioned advantageously within the city’s communications structure. As a result, stories involving tender irregularities, nepotism and alleged procurement abuses in Ekurhuleni reportedly never reached the national audience.

The complainants also claim a climate of fear has taken root inside the municipality, with whistle-blowers allegedly pushed out through weaponised HR processes or intimidated after raising red flags.

A Murdered Auditor and Warnings From Police

One of the most chilling elements in the complaint references the murder of Mpho Mafole, the city’s group divisional head for corporate and forensic audits.
Mafole, who was investigating irregularities linked to the city’s R1.8 billion chemical toilet tenders, was assassinated in June.

For many in Ekurhuleni, his killing remains a symbol of how dangerous it has become to uncover corruption in the metro.

The complaint also recalls remarks made last year by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who warned publicly that certain journalists were being paid to suppress corruption stories. Sanef dismissed those broad accusations at the time, but the Ekurhuleni allegations have revived similar concerns except now with names, context and a direct paper trail.

Ekurhuleni: A City Under Shadow

Local residents say the complaint merely formalises suspicions that have been whispered for years. On community WhatsApp groups and Facebook pages, many describe Ekurhuleni as “captured,” “untouchable,” and in some cases, “a criminal hub hiding behind official titles.”

The authors of the complaint say the metro now operates like “a criminal and drug syndicate hub,” alleging collusion between municipal officials, journalists and even some law enforcement members.

While the language is sharp, the concerns reflect a widespread exhaustion with corruption-fatigue, a feeling many communities across Gauteng understand all too well.

A Call for an Inquiry and Protection for Whistle-Blowers

The complainants are demanding:

• An independent investigation into the conduct of the implicated journalists

• A full review of SABC editorial decisions relating to Ekurhuleni over the past two years

• A probe into financial ties between the journalists and the city

• Presidential intervention to stop alleged “mafia-style infiltration” of the metro

• Safety guarantees for honest officials and journalists

Importantly, they emphasise that the complaint is not an attack on the SABC but rather a plea to protect its editorial independence at a time when trust in public institutions is fragile.

Sanef and SABC Respond

Sanef chair Sbu Ngalwa noted that although the organisation is mentioned in the complaint, the allegations are directed squarely at the SABC and must be answered by the broadcaster.

SABC spokesperson Mmoni Ngubane struck a serious tone, saying the corporation does not take such allegations lightly.

“The SABC is committed to ensuring any concerns raised are considered thoroughly, fairly and with due regard for our editorial integrity and the safety of all involved.”

Behind the scenes, senior editors at the public broadcaster are reportedly shaken. If the allegations prove credible, the fallout could be significant both inside the SABC and within the Ekurhuleni leadership structure.

A Bigger Question About South Africa’s Information Ecosystem

Beyond the individuals named, this scandal raises deeper concerns for the country: if corruption can silence voices within the public broadcaster, where does that leave ordinary residents who already struggle to be heard?

Ekurhuleni residents now wait to see whether this latest scandal will disappear into official silence, or finally push the system toward accountability.