Suspended eThekwini Deputy City Manager Sibusiso Makhanya has resigned, bringing an abrupt end to his contentious tenure. City Manager Musa Mbhele confirmed on Monday that Makhanya tendered his resignation last month and has since vacated his position.
“Yes, it’s true, DCM Makhanya resigned last month and left the City,” Mbhele stated, marking the conclusion of a months-long saga involving allegations of misconduct, political interference, and internal disputes.
Makhanya was suspended in September 2024 and faced charges of misconduct for allegedly costing the municipality R6 million in interest from a civil case it lost against service provider Africa Utility Solutions. The case stemmed from non-payment for smart electricity meter boxes supplied by the company, which eventually secured a court victory against the City.
Allegations of Political Motives
Makhanya, however, claimed his suspension was politically motivated. In his submission to an independent investigator, he alleged that the move aimed to clear the way for the appointment of a specific individual as head of Cleansing Solid Waste (CSW), a unit under his purview as Deputy City Manager for Trading Services.
He asserted that the candidate’s qualifications were questionable and that he had resisted their appointment. Makhanya further alleged a broader scheme, claiming the appointee would outsource cleaning services in the City’s central business district to a private company owned by a prominent ANC funder. According to Makhanya, this arrangement was intended to bankroll the political campaign of a senior eThekwini official vying for the position of ANC regional chairperson in the party’s upcoming elective conference.
Fallout and Unanswered Questions
Despite his resignation, Makhanya had vowed to contest any dismissal by the City, claiming he was unfairly targeted for standing against corruption and politically motivated appointments.
Makhanya’s departure leaves unanswered questions about the internal dynamics of eThekwini Municipality, where allegations of patronage and political interference have frequently surfaced. Critics argue that the case underscores systemic governance issues, including the misuse of municipal resources for political gain.
Efforts to reach Makhanya for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to questions sent to him.
Leadership Challenges in eThekwini
The resignation adds to eThekwini Municipality’s ongoing leadership woes, with several senior management vacancies and ongoing disciplinary processes for top officials. Observers have expressed concerns about the impact of political maneuvering on service delivery and governance in one of South Africa’s most critical municipalities.
As the municipality navigates these challenges, calls for transparency and accountability in its management practices continue to grow, with many looking to national oversight bodies for intervention.
