Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi refuses to vacate her position

JOHANNESBURG - Outgoing Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi has refused to vacate her position despite being placed on special leave.

The city council placed her on special leave last week until her retirement date in August.

This was done because Mashazi has reached the age of 65, and senior positions in local government can only be held by people younger.

Although the Municipal Systems Act prohibits her continued occupancy of the city manager's office, Mashazi wants to finish her term in office, despite the age limit.

Unlike political positions in local government, senior administrative roles can only be held by individuals under the age of 65.

This is the main reason why Mashazi is in conflict with the city’s political leaders, who have placed her on special leave.

In a statement, Mashazi claims that there is an effort to damage her reputation and believes the attempts to remove her are not solely based on her age.

However, the Municipal Systems Act states that any senior manager over 65 must step down the month following their birthday.

Despite this regulation and the council’s decision to place her on special leave, Mashazi said she would continue carrying out her duties.