Mayor Xhakaza Nkosindiphile: The Architect of Ekurhuleni’s Renewal

07 Oct 2025

In an era where transformation is not just desired but demanded, true change requires more than political will—it calls for the fusion of visionary leadership and administrative excellence. Mayor Xhakaza Nkosindiphile of Ekurhuleni embodies this rare blend. Affectionately known as “Mr Fix It,” he represents the gold standard of what South African leadership should be: decisive, strategic, and deeply committed to service delivery.

Mayor Xhakaza’s leadership journey is marked not only by his political acumen but also by years of sharpening his management and technical capabilities. His background includes active involvement in engineering institutions, where he contributed to professional development and infrastructure policy discussions that continue to shape local government practices today. This technical grounding gives him a unique advantage in understanding the complex relationship between planning, engineering, and sustainable urban development.

This dual mastery—of both governance and administration—positions him uniquely to drive far-reaching reforms that touch the lives of ordinary citizens. His strategic foresight has led to the introduction of robust systems across critical municipal functions such as Human Resources, Finance, Procurement, Credit Control, Internal Auditing, and Monitoring & Evaluation. These are not just bureaucratic boxes ticked; they are the backbone of a city that works.

One of his great successes has been putting the right people into critical positions such as Finance, Human Settlements, Roads and Transport . Through this, he was able to put systems in place that have stabilized governance and strengthened service delivery across the City of Ekurhuleni. Mayor Xhakaza has also been unwavering in ensuring that corruption is stopped in its tracks and that ethical governance becomes the standard, not the exception.

He has further reinforced a clear boundary between governance and administration—ensuring that politicians do not interfere with operational matters. Gone are the days when elected officials could phone portfolio directors and dictate administrative actions. Under his watch, the city administration maintains the highest standards of professional conduct, restoring public confidence in local government.

Under his stewardship, Ekurhuleni is not just being governed—it is being transformed. His ability to align policy with operational execution ensures that change is not just promised but delivered. Mayor Xhakaza stands as proof that when political leadership, technical expertise, and administrative intelligence converge, the result is a city that thrives—and a people who believe again.

By  Centre For Ethical Leadership RSA