EMALAHLENI – The Executive Mayor of eMalahleni Local Municipality, Cllr Vusi Nhlapho, has relieved two Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs) of their official duties with immediate effect following their arrest on allegations of bribery and corruption.
Jerry Dijana, MMC for Development Planning, and Busi Hlumbane, MMC for Technical Services, were arrested by the Hawks on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. They were allegedly caught receiving a R20,000 bribe at Witbank Dam, reportedly part of a R500,000 demand linked to facilitating the extension of a lease agreement.
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 23, the Office of the Executive Mayor confirmed the decision was taken “in the interest of good governance and to uphold the integrity of the municipality.” The statement further noted that replacements will be announced soon to ensure continuity in service delivery.
“This decisive action aligns with the Executive Mayor’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership within the administration,” read the official communication.
Dijana and Hlumbane were granted R10,000 bail each on Tuesday, April 22. The court ordered that they may not access municipal premises without notifying their investigating officer and are prohibited from leaving the district without prior approval. However, the bail decision sparked outrage from some parties. Ward 33 Councillor Kim Fourie, representing the DA, expressed strong disapproval, “We, the DA, are not happy with the bail amount. R10,000 each for corruption, extortion, and defeating the ends of justice. That’s just unacceptable.”
A local resident from Siyanqoba, Matimu Msimango, says he feels that the court didn’t do justice by granting bail to the MMCs. “This decision seems to promote corruption. Bribery is a serious offence, and serving a sentence would have served as a deterrent. As a community member, I believe they should face the consequences of their actions so that we can all learn from their mistakes,” Msimango said. Their next court appearance is set for 4 June 2025.
The African National Congress (ANC), under whose ticket the pair serve, has also weighed in. Nkangala ANC Regional Secretary Sello Matshoga confirmed on Thursday, April 17, that the party has instructed both councillors to step aside.
“In this instance, we are empowered by the ANC constitution, and we are instructing these two councillors to immediately step aside from their responsibilities,” said Matshoga. “Every member of the ANC knows how to conduct themselves in line with the party’s constitution, especially when occupying public office.”
Responding to the prompt act of the Executive Mayor, the ANC Nkangala Region applauded the mayor for taking “a swift and decisive action”, according to a statement released shortly after the municipality communicated their decision.
“The Executive Mayor, as a deployee of the ANC, sends a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated and that those responsible for such acts will be met with consequences. His action will restore public confidence and trust in the ability to ensure that the municipal integrity is intact.”
