The lady's not leaving! Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi determined to see out full term

Ekhuruleni City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi joins 702's Bongani Bingwa.

Listen below:

Mashazi has been placed on special leave, pending her retirement.

She is supposed to retire in August when she turns 65,  but wants to remain in office until her contract expires in 2027.

Her refusal is in direct conflict with the Municipal Systems Act, which requires senior managers to retire a month after turning 65.

"The notion that I do not want to retire is not correct."

- Dr Imogen Mashazi, City Manager - City of Ekhuruleni

"I had my final engagement with the officials in May... I indicated that I would be retiring ... when I'm reaching 65."

- Dr Imogen Mashazi, City Manager - City of Ekhuruleni

Mashazi says she is baffled by the City's decision to place her on special leave, saying there is an inference of wrongdoing on her part.

"But unfortunately, they put a clause where they are saying I must take special leave for the two months, that's June and July, before my retirement."

Dr Imogen Mashazi, City Manager - City of Ekhuruleni

"When you put someone on special leave, it means this person has some allegation of... misconduct. There is nothing like this."

- Dr Imogen Mashazi, City Manager - City of Ekhuruleni

There has been growing tension between Mashazi and the City over the issue.

But Ekurhuleni’s first woman city manager insists she will serve out her full term, arguing that she is still capable of performing her duties and cannot be forced out.

"It's about the council not wanting to pay me the remainder of my salary."

- Dr Imogen Mashazi, City Manager - City of Ekhuruleni

Scroll up to listen to the full conversation from Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa.