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Sustained pressure by the Democratic Alliance has led to council authorising the removal of Kemi Behari and Linda Gxasheka as Heads of Department (HODs) for Corporate & Legal Services and for Human Resources, as well as the repayment of the illegal salary increases, they received.

Behari and Gxasheka previously faced precautionary suspension following testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where witnesses accused them of failing to act against, and in some instances shielding, corruption-accused Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi from investigation.

Through questions to Council, the DA revealed that in less than two months after being appointed as HODs, Behari and Gxasheka received salary increases of 28% (R585,286.00) each.

14 months later, they each received an additional cost of living increase of 3% (R79,221.00), taking their starting salaries of R2 million per year to a staggering R2.7 million.

Then Executive Mayor Ald. Sivuyile Ngodwana awarded these increases illegally, bypassing Council, the only body authorised to approve increases for HODs.

Following the replies to these questions, the DA wrote to current Executive Mayor Ald. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza in March 2026, laying out the evidence and demanding the recovery of these irregular payments.

Council's acceptance of the case made by the DA will ensure that not only are Behari and Gxasheka's employment terminated, but that these illegal increases are repaid in full.

Today, the DA has secured a major win — not only for accountability, but for the residents of the City of Ekurhuleni, who deserve a government and administration free from corruption and malfeasance.

Issued by DA Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane