DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane has committed to establishing a dedicated, independent whistleblower protection unit within her first 100 days in office if elected.

Speaking outside the Ekurhuleni Council Chambers on Thursday, Rasilingwane unveiled her comprehensive anti-corruption strategy alongside hundreds of DA activists, councillors, and residents.

The proposed unit aims to provide municipal officials with a secure mechanism to report wrongdoing without fear of intimidation or workplace retaliation.

Rasilingwane stressed that corruption directly undermines municipal service delivery, emphasising that financial misconduct is far from a victimless crime.

"Every rand stolen or wasted is a rand that cannot be used to fix a pothole, maintain a substation, repair a leaking pipe, keep a streetlight working, or create opportunities for our young people," she stated.

The mayoral candidate paid tribute to individuals who lost their lives after exposing State capture and institutional fraud, including former Ekurhuleni forensic audit chief Mpho Mafole, municipal finance official Simnikiwe Mapini and Gauteng Health Department whistleblower Babita Deokaran.

"They had the courage to speak up when they saw wrongdoing, and we cannot allow fear to silence the next generation of whistleblowers," Rasilingwane stated.

Under a DA-led administration, she promised that the municipality would strictly "follow the money" by launching thorough investigations into financial misconduct.

Where evidence of criminal activity is uncovered, cases will be handed directly to law enforcement agencies to ensure definitive legal consequences.

"The time for excuses is over," said Rasilingwane. "It is time to restore accountability, protect those who speak out, and get Ekurhuleni working again."

Meanwhile, the briefing coincided with a scheduled bail hearing for suspended deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department Julius Mkhwanazi.

Rasilingwane confirmed her intention to attend the court proceedings, stating, "I will look him in the eye as he sits in the accused bench".