Postponed to February 26–27
By Sello Masilo
Pretoria, Gauteng –
A key witness in a major probe into alleged corruption within a big city council has seen her time on the stand pushed back, giving the inquiry team extra days to dig into fresh details she dropped at the last minute.
Linda Gxasheka, the suspended head of human resources for the City of Ekurhuleni, was set to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry but will now appear on 26 and 27 February 2026.
The hold-up stems from a 44-page supplementary statement her lawyers handed over just before her scheduled slot, leaving evidence leaders needing more time to review and prepare.
The Sudden Postponement and Reasons Behind It
The decision came during a brief court session where Gxasheka made a short appearance, flanked by her legal team.
Evidence Leader Advocate Lee Segeels-Ncube told the commission that the document arrived on Monday, the eve of what was meant to be her testimony day.
This late submission caught the team off guard, as they needed proper time to go through it and plan their questions. Segeels-Ncube stressed that rushing ahead would not be fair, so they asked for a delay to ensure everything is handled right.
Commission Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga agreed to the request after hearing from both sides. He made it clear that Gxasheka must show up on the new dates, warning that skipping could lead to serious trouble since she is under subpoena – a legal order to attend.
Her lawyer, who confirmed the dates work, cited the need to review all documentation as part of the reason for the shift. This move keeps the inquiry on track but highlights how unexpected twists can slow down these deep dives into wrongdoing.
Who is Linda Gxasheka and Why Her Testimony Matters
Linda Gxasheka rose to a top spot as the Head of Human Resources in Ekurhuleni, overseeing staff matters for one of South Africa’s busiest metros. But her career hit a wall last year when the city put her on suspension over claims of misconduct.
She stands accused of shielding a high-ranking police official, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, from facing the music in a scandal involving the misuse of blue lights – those flashing sirens meant for emergencies but allegedly used for personal perks.
This “blue light saga” has stirred up big questions about favouritism and cover-ups in the city hall. Gxasheka allegedly failed to start disciplinary steps against Mkhwanazi, even after probes flagged issues. Her role in HR put her in charge of such actions, making her a central figure in the mess.
The Madlanga Commission, set up to root out corruption in Ekurhuleni’s ranks, wants her side of the story to piece together how these lapses happened and who else might be involved.
Other big names like the Head of Legal and Risk Services, Advocate Kemi Behari, have also faced suspensions in the same wave, showing how wide the net has spread.
For someone new to this, the commission is like a deep check-up on how corruption might have snuck into city operations, from hiring to spending.
Gxasheka’s input could shine a light on internal dealings, perhaps revealing pressures from above or gaps in rules that let bad habits thrive.
Her late statement might add new facts or defences, which is why the team needs time to study it closely.
The Broader Probe and Recent Twists
The Madlanga Commission kicked off last year amid growing outcry over graft in Ekurhuleni, a metro that serves millions in Gauteng’s east.
It looks at everything from dodgy contracts to unfair staff moves, aiming to clean house and rebuild trust. Recent hearings have seen other witnesses like Behari admit to slip-ups, such as giving wrong info under oath, adding fuel to the fire.
The inquiry has exposed how some leaders might have twisted processes for personal gain, hurting services like policing and roads that everyday people rely on.
This postponement fits a pattern of careful steps, as the commission deals with sensitive info and safety worries for those speaking up. Past sessions have brought out tales of threats and meddling, making delays like this common to keep things fair.
For families and residents hit by poor governance, it means a longer wait for fixes, but also hope that thorough work will lead to real changes, like tighter checks on officials or better whistleblower shields.
Impact on Ekurhuleni and Calls for Change
Ekurhuleni, home to bustling spots like Boksburg and Benoni, has felt the sting of these scandals.
Residents complain of slow services and unsafe streets, blaming it on the rot at the top. Gxasheka’s case ties into wider issues, like how HR bosses can sway who gets jobs or faces discipline, sometimes playing favourites.
Community groups have called for her full story to come out, saying it could help heal divides and push for fairer city running.
As the dates near, eyes will be on what Gxasheka shares – will it clear her name or uncover more? Her testimony could spark reforms, like clearer rules for suspensions or independent watches on HR moves.
For now, the delay gives everyone time to prepare, but it also reminds us how drawn-out justice can feel for those wanting accountability.
In a country still building on its democratic roots, probes like this matter. They show a commitment to facing flaws head-on, even if it takes extra days.
Families in Ekurhuleni hope the wait leads to stronger leadership that puts people first, turning this chapter into a step towards better days.
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