The story of Kagiso Lerutla, the City Manager of Ekurhuleni, is one of discipline, dedication, and a deep commitment to public service. At just 33, he has carved a remarkable path in South Africa’s local government sector—rising from a young auditor to becoming one of the most respected municipal leaders in the country. His journey didn’t happen overnight; it grew steadily, much like a tree whose roots strengthen long before the leaves appear.
Below is a detailed biography that explores his age, salary, wife, tribe, educational background, political party, responsibilities, cars, and more
Who Is Kagiso Lerutla?
Kagiso Lerutla is a South African Chartered Accountant and respected public sector executive who currently serves as the City Manager of Ekurhuleni, appointed on 1 November 2025. His role places him at the heart of service delivery, governance, and municipal administration.
He is best known for his sharp financial mind, ethical leadership, and a strong track record in restoring accountability within public institutions.
Early Life and Background
Kagiso grew up in an environment that valued education and responsibility. Over the years, he built a career path grounded in ethics and discipline—values that have shaped his public service reputation.
Like many professionals who rise through the ranks, his early years laid the foundation for the excellence he later displayed in government.
Age of the Ekurhuleni City Manager
As of 2025, Kagiso Lerutla is 33 years old. His age has drawn admiration across the public sector because he represents a new generation of municipal leadership—dynamic, educated, and service-driven.
Educational Qualifications
Kagiso’s academic background is both impressive and diverse:
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BCompt Accounting – University of Limpopo
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BCom (Hons) in Accounting – University of Johannesburg
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MBA – Regenesys Business School
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Chartered Accountant CA(SA) – Registered with SAICA
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Municipal Finance Management Programme – University of Pretoria
This combination of financial and business training gives him a strong foundation for municipal governance.
Professional Journey in Public Service
Kagiso’s career began at the Auditor-General of South Africa, where he worked for five years. During that time, he earned:
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Employee of the Year (2010)
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Best Newcomer Award
His auditing and compliance experience became a launchpad for his later responsibilities.
In 2014, he joined the City of Ekurhuleni, where he moved through several key leadership positions:
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Divisional Head: Governance and Compliance
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Head of Supply Chain Management
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Group Chief Financial Officer (GCFO)
As GCFO, he became widely recognized for financial discipline and clean governance.
Becoming Ekurhuleni City Manager
In 2025, Kagiso was appointed the City Manager, responsible for driving the city’s:
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Governance
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Financial stability
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Service delivery improvement
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Public accountability
His appointment brought fresh energy to Ekurhuleni’s administrative leadership.
Leadership Approach and Governance Style
Kagiso is known for leading with:
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Transparency
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Performance excellence
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Accountability
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Ethical governance
He often emphasizes that “public trust must be earned daily,” a principle that guides his decision-making.
Achievements and Career Milestones
Some of his notable achievements include:
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Three consecutive clean audits (2020–2022)
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Maintaining Ekurhuleni’s AAA credit rating
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Nominated for Public Sector CFO of the Year (2022)
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Featured among Ekurhuleni’s 100 Shining Stars (2019)
These accomplishments positioned him as one of South Africa’s brightest young public-sector leaders.
Salary and Earnings
While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, City Managers in major South African metros typically earn between R2.3 million and R3.2 million annually, including benefits and allowances.
Kagiso’s salary is believed to fall within this range, given his seniority and the size of the municipality.
Net Worth Overview
Although Kagiso does not publicly flaunt wealth, his net worth is estimated based on:
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His municipal executive salary
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Investments
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Professional career achievements
An estimated range of R5 million – R10 million is considered reasonable. He maintains a modest and professional lifestyle that reflects his commitment to public service rather than luxury.
Wife and Family Life
Kagiso is married to Dumelang Batswana betsho, a supportive partner who maintains a private personal life. The couple keeps their family affairs low-profile, focusing instead on community service and professional responsibilities.
Tribe and Cultural Background
Kagiso is of Tswana heritage, a tribe known for strong cultural values, respect for leadership, and community-centered living. His cultural roots often influence his leadership style—calm, structured, and respectful.
Political Party Affiliation
Kagiso Lerutla is a career administrator rather than a political figure.
Like most City Managers, he is expected to:
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Remain politically neutral
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Serve the municipal council professionally
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Prioritize service delivery above politics
There is no publicly known political party affiliation associated with him.
Cars and Lifestyle
Kagiso leads a grounded lifestyle. While municipal executives are usually issued official vehicles for work duties, he does not publicly display luxury car collections.
His known lifestyle focuses more on professionalism and community impact than material possessions.
Contact Details
For security, privacy, and municipal protocol, his personal contact details are not publicly disclosed.
However, citizens can reach the City Manager’s office through:
City of Ekurhuleni Official Website
or
Municipal Customer Service Centers
Role and Responsibilities as City Manager
As the administrative head, he oversees:
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Municipal budgeting
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Financial management
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Performance monitoring
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Service delivery planning
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Governance and compliance
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Day-to-day operations of municipal departments
He plays a major role in executing Ekurhuleni’s Growth and Development Strategy 2055.
Impact on Ekurhuleni’s Governance
Under his leadership, the city has prioritized:
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Ethical governance
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Infrastructure maintenance
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Better financial stability
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Faster service delivery response
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Improved citizen engagement
His leadership is viewed as a turning point for the metro.
Challenges and Future Plans
Some challenges he faces include:
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Rapid urban population growth
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Infrastructure strain
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Financial pressures
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Public expectations
His future plans focus on:
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Strengthening institutional capacity
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Restoring public confidence
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Ensuring long-term financial sustainability
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Improving service delivery efficiency
Conclusion
At only 33, Kagiso Lerutla stands out as one of South Africa’s most promising and accomplished public administrators. His journey from auditor to City Manager reflects hard work, strong ethical values, and a deep desire to serve communities. As Ekurhuleni continues to grow, his leadership is expected to play an important role in shaping the city’s future.
FAQs
1. Who is the City Manager of Ekurhuleni?
The City Manager is Kagiso Lerutla, a Chartered Accountant and experienced public-sector executive.
2. How old is Kagiso Lerutla?
He is 33 years old as of 2025.
3. What is the salary of the Ekurhuleni City Manager?
City Managers in major metros earn around R2.3 million – R3.2 million annually.
4. Is Kagiso Lerutla married?
Yes, he is married to Dumelang Batswana betsho.
5. What is his political party?
He is not publicly affiliated with any political party, as required for professional municipal administrators.
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