The position of City Manager in metropolitan municipalities is one of the most demanding and influential roles in local government. In South Africa, few appointments have attracted as much attention as that of Kagiso Lerutla, the City Manager of City of Ekurhuleni.
With a reputation for ethical leadership, financial discipline, and accountability, Kagiso Lerutla’s professional journey reflects a deep commitment to public service. His appointment, effective from 1 November 2025, marked a new chapter for one of Gauteng’s most economically significant metros.
This detailed biography explores his age, salary insights, wife, tribe, net worth, political affiliation, cars, and contact details, while also examining his education, career milestones, and leadership philosophy.
Ekurhuleni City Manager Biography
| Profile Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kagiso Lerutla |
| Age | 33 |
| Position | City Manager, City of Ekurhuleni |
| Education | BCompt, BCom (Hons), MBA |
| Profession | Chartered Accountant (CA-SA) |
| Wife | Kagiso Dumelang |
| Tribe | Tswana |
| Political Party | None (Non-partisan) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Contact Details | Not disclosed |
Who Is the Ekurhuleni City Manager?
The Ekurhuleni City Manager is the administrative head of the metro, responsible for overseeing municipal operations, implementing council decisions, managing finances, and ensuring service delivery to millions of residents.
Kagiso Lerutla is a Chartered Accountant (CA-SA) and seasoned public sector executive with more than 15 years of experience in auditing, financial management, governance, and municipal administration. Before becoming City Manager, he served in several senior leadership roles within the City of Ekurhuleni, steadily earning respect for his professionalism and results-driven approach.
His leadership style blends technical competence with ethical governance, making him one of the youngest and most accomplished metro city managers in South Africa.
Kagiso Lerutla Age and Early Life
As of 2025, the Ekurhuleni City Manager is 33 years old. Despite his relatively young age, Kagiso Lerutla’s career reflects maturity, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Although details about his place of birth and early childhood are not widely publicized, it is clear that his formative years emphasized education, integrity, and service. Those values later shaped his professional journey and leadership philosophy in public administration.
Educational Background and Professional Qualifications
Education has played a central role in Kagiso Lerutla’s rise through the ranks of local government.
He holds:
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A BCompt Accounting degree from the University of Limpopo
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A BCom (Honours) in Accounting from the University of Johannesburg
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An MBA from Regenesys Business School
In addition, he is a registered Chartered Accountant CA(SA) with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.
He also completed the Municipal Finance Management Programme at the University of Pretoria, equipping him with specialized skills for municipal governance.
Career Journey: From Auditor to City Manager
Kagiso Lerutla’s career in public service began at the Auditor-General of South Africa, where he spent five years building a solid foundation in auditing, compliance, and governance.
During this period:
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He earned recognition as Employee of the Year
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He was named Best Newcomer in 2010
In 2014, he joined the City of Ekurhuleni, where his leadership journey accelerated. Over the years, he held key positions including:
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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 led the municipality to achieve three consecutive clean audits from 2020 to 2022 and maintained a AAA credit rating, demonstrating sound financial management and accountability. His work earned him a nomination for the South African Public Sector CFO of the Year Award in 2022, as well as recognition as one of Ekurhuleni’s 100 Shining Stars in 2019.
Appointment as Ekurhuleni City Manager
Kagiso Lerutla was appointed City Manager with effect from 1 November 2025. His appointment was widely welcomed by stakeholders who saw him as a hands-on leader with a deep understanding of the municipality’s systems.
As City Manager, he is responsible for implementing the Growth and Development Strategy 2055, a long-term vision aimed at:
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Restoring ethical governance
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Accelerating service delivery
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Strengthening financial sustainability
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Improving citizen engagement
His leadership emphasizes accountability, transparency, and performance excellence, ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly for the benefit of residents.
Ekurhuleni City Manager Salary
The exact salary of the Ekurhuleni City Manager is not publicly disclosed. However, city managers of metropolitan municipalities in South Africa typically earn competitive executive-level remuneration, reflecting the size, complexity, and responsibility of the role.
His compensation is regulated by municipal frameworks and overseen by council structures to ensure compliance and fairness.
Wife and Family Life
Kagiso Lerutla is married to Kagiso Dumelang, a union he describes with pride and cultural warmth, often referring affectionately to “Batswana betsho.”
While he values family life, he maintains privacy around his personal affairs, choosing to keep his family away from the public spotlight. This balance allows him to focus on his demanding role while preserving a sense of normalcy at home.
Tribe and Cultural Background
The Ekurhuleni City Manager is of Tswana heritage. His cultural values influence his leadership approach, particularly his emphasis on respect, ethical conduct, collective responsibility, and servant leadership.
These principles are evident in his commitment to building capable institutions and fostering trust between the municipality and its residents.
Net Worth
Kagiso Lerutla’s exact net worth is not publicly available. His wealth is largely derived from his professional career in auditing and public service rather than private business ventures.
As a public office bearer, his financial affairs are subject to regulations, declarations, and oversight consistent with South African governance standards.
Political Party Affiliation
There is no public record of Kagiso Lerutla being affiliated with any political party. His role as City Manager is an administrative and professional position, not a political one.
He is widely regarded as a neutral technocrat focused on governance, service delivery, and compliance rather than partisan politics.
Cars and Lifestyle
Details about the Ekurhuleni City Manager’s personal vehicles are not disclosed. Like many senior municipal officials, he may have access to official transport for work-related duties.
His public image suggests a modest and professional lifestyle aligned with public service values rather than luxury display.
Contact Details of the Ekurhuleni City Manager
The personal contact details of Kagiso Lerutla are not publicly disclosed for privacy and security reasons. Official communication with the City Manager is typically conducted through the City of Ekurhuleni’s formal channels and municipal offices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the current Ekurhuleni City Manager?
The current Ekurhuleni 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. Is the Ekurhuleni City Manager married?
Yes, Kagiso Lerutla is married to Kagiso Dumelang.
4. What is his professional background?
He has a background in auditing, financial management, governance, and municipal administration, with over 15 years of experience.
5. Are his contact details publicly available?
No, his personal contact details are not publicly disclosed. Official communication is done through municipal channels.
Conclusion
Kagiso Lerutla’s rise to the position of Ekurhuleni City Manager reflects a story of discipline, education, ethical leadership, and professional excellence. At just 33 years old, he represents a new generation of public administrators committed to transparency, accountability, and sustainable development.
As he leads the City of Ekurhuleni toward its 2055 vision, his leadership continues to inspire confidence among residents, professionals, and stakeholders alike. His biography highlights not just personal success, but a broader commitment to building effective and trustworthy local government in South Africa.
