In a swift move to stabilise the finances of the City of Ekurhuleni, Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza appointed Jongizizwe Dlabathi as the new MMC for Finance.
The announcement comes less than three weeks after the removal of former MMC Nkululeko Dunga.
Xhakaza emphasized that the appointment followed careful consideration and extensive stakeholder consultation.
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“I am pleased with the appointment of Dlabathi. He brings strategic acumen and extensive expertise in local government practice to this role,” Xhakaza stated.
Dlabathi, who was sworn in last Tuesday, has been a prominent figure in local government.
“Since 2016, he has served as the whip of the council and currently holds the position of provincial chairperson of the South African Local Government Association (Salga) in Gauteng.”
His leadership in Salga has been pivotal in promoting good governance and effective financial management across Gauteng municipalities.
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Dlabathi’s efforts have focused on ensuring the financial viability of municipalities and improving cash flow liquidity, critical for the overall financial health of local governments.
Born and raised in Kwa-Thema, Dlabathi matriculated at Tlakuka High School and embarked on a political career that began with the ANCYL and later included roles as an ANCYL regional executive member and ANC regional member.
From 2016 to 2023, he served as the deputy chairperson and is the regional task team (RTT) co-ordinator/secretary.
He also led election efforts in the region for the 2016, 2019, and 2021 local government elections in Ekurhuleni.
Dlabathi holds a national diploma and BTech degree in internal auditing from Tshwane University of Technology and a postgraduate diploma in project management from Regent Business School.
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His professional experience includes roles at the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA), the City of Johannesburg, and Intersite (now PRASA CRES). From 2011 to 2016, he was the strategic advisor to the MMC responsible for finance, ICT, and real estate.
Post-2016 local government elections, Dlabathi was sworn in as the chief whip of the council in Ekurhuleni.
He has also chaired various committees, including the political management team and the capacity building and in institutional resilience working group for Salga.
With his extensive background and expertise, Dlabathi is expected to bring much-needed stability and strategic direction to the financial management of the City of Ekurhuleni.
