The City of Ekurhuleni appointed Kagiso Michael Lerutla as city manager with immediate effect, highlighting shifts in Gauteng municipal leadership as Floyd Brink returns to Johannesburg. Lerutla, a chartered accountant with more than 13 years in public finance, previously served as group chief financial officer and became the youngest metro CFO at age 32 in 2019. His mandate centers on stabilizing service delivery, financial management, and infrastructure in a city of more than 3.5 million residents.
Lerutla began his career at the Auditor-General of South Africa and holds a BCompt, a BCom honors in accounting, and an MBA. As CFO, he helped steer Ekurhuleni through post-pandemic pressures and major capital needs while emphasizing ethical practice and accountability. He has worked with an annual budget of about R50 billion and focused on stronger governance, clearer budgeting, and efficient spending.
His appointment also carries a personal note of resilience. Lerutla survived a shooting, an experience that supporters say shaped his commitment to public service and to improving safety and basic services.
Lerutla began his career at the Auditor-General of South Africa and holds a BCompt, a BCom honors in accounting, and an MBA. As CFO, he helped steer Ekurhuleni through post-pandemic pressures and major capital needs while emphasizing ethical practice and accountability. He has worked with an annual budget of about R50 billion and focused on stronger governance, clearer budgeting, and efficient spending.
His appointment also carries a personal note of resilience. Lerutla survived a shooting, an experience that supporters say shaped his commitment to public service and to improving safety and basic services.
