A damning picture of municipal governance, characterized by “fiefdoms,” “empires,” and a pervasive “culture of fear,” was painted during a televised analysis of the ongoing Madlanga Commission. The testimony of former eThekwini city manager, Dr. Xolani Mshengu, sparked intense scrutiny, with experts and the public alike condemning a systemic failure of accountability.
Dr. Mshengu, the retired accounting officer for the metro, appeared before the commission investigating allegations of corruption and maladministration. Analysts on the news panel highlighted her “condescending” attitude, evasiveness, and refusal to take responsibility for serious allegations under her watch.
Independent crime and violence analyst Dr. Chris de Kock described Dr. Mshengu’s posture as disrespectful and mission-driven, noting she “didn’t show any respect” to the commissioners and failed to answer questions directly. “I could immediately see that she has a mission of her own,” Dr. de Kock stated.
However, the discussion pivoted from Dr. Mshengu’s individual performance to a broader, systemic crisis. University of Free State governance expert Dr. Harlan Cloete stated that her testimony offered the public a revealing “insight into the shenanigans that happens in many of our municipalities.”
Dr. Cloete, drawing on nationwide research, said a horrific pattern is widespread. “In many municipalities, managers run almost as if it is their own… there are little empires and people must be beholden to them,” he explained. He identified a “culture of no consequence” and a “big culture of fear,” where officials, particularly in Human Resources and Supply Chain, are pressured to appoint or protect certain individuals.
This fear, both experts agreed, enables corruption and abuse. Dr. de Kock asserted this dynamic is “right through government” at every level, creating an environment where junior female officials feel they “can’t say basically no” to coercive sexual relationships with seniors.
Dr. Mshengu’s admission of knowing about allegations of sexual harassment, coercion, and even rape within the Metro Police (EMPD) but taking no concrete action became a focal point. “She knew about it but she did nothing about it… that inaction in itself speaks volumes,” Dr. Cloete said. Dr. de Kock was scathing, comparing her approach to watching a movie, saying she “doesn’t do anything about it” despite her seniority.
Public reaction, voiced through callers to the program, expressed deep frustration. A caller from KwaZulu-Natal said Dr. Mshengu’s attitude “turned me off,” while an anonymous eThekwini resident claimed her evasive posture was consistent with her tenure, blaming enabling politicians. “She never wanted to take any responsibility at all,” the resident said.
Another anonymous caller, who claimed past government experience, said the “rot is as old as time” and accused protected officials of being “proxies” for political interests.
Dr. Cloete connected the behavior to a collapse of ethical leadership and a corrosive materialism in society. “We have become a 90-minute nation,” he said, referencing patriotic unity during sports events. “We need a redefinition of success… What we need in this country is servant leadership and accountable ethical leaders.”
Dr. de Kock suggested that successful prosecution and imprisonment of those exposed by commissions like Madlanga’s are a prerequisite for rebuilding institutions with the “good guys” who remain.
The analysts concluded with little optimism for the next high-profile witness, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is set to appear before the commission. Dr. de Kock predicted he would offer the same defensive performance he gave to a recent parliamentary ad hoc committee.
The Madlanga Commission continues.