Ekurhuleni Mayor seeking legal advice over legality of placing City Manager Imogen Mashazi on special leave
Mashazi was granted special leave two weeks ago, with the city citing legislation that prohibits individuals over the age of 65 from occupying senior positions.
Imogen Mashazi. Picture: X/City_Ekurhuleni
JOHANNESBURG - Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza is seeking legal advice regarding the legality of the council's decision to place City Manager Imogen Mashazi on special leave.
The city council met on Tuesday to discuss whether the decision to put her on special leave should be reversed.
Mashazi was granted special leave two weeks ago, with the city citing legislation that prohibits individuals over the age of 65 from occupying senior positions.
Her special leave is set to continue until her retirement date in August, but she is refusing to comply with it.
The Ekurhuleni city council is divided, with one half arguing that Mashazi's placement on special leave was unlawful, while another maintains that it was justified.
Some in the city council have told EWN that although the law prohibits her from holding the city manager position due to her age, the city may have made errors in the processes involved in placing her on special leave.
Xhakaza is seeking legal advice from his attorneys to assess the constitutionality of the decision and will report back to the city council after receiving guidance from the legal team.
In the meantime, Mashazi insists that her placement on special leave was unjustified.