Businessman Ze Nxumalo Accused of Funding R3.5m Private Jet for Ekurhuleni Ex-City Manager’s London Shopping Spree
Investigative reports have revealed that prominent businessman and taxi industry powerbroker Ze Nxumalo financed a R3.5 million private jet charter used by former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi for a lavish three-day shopping trip to London in July 2022.
According to News24 and Sunday Times investigations, Mashazi and a group of friends, including pharmacist-turned-fuel supplier Dineo Seletswane, departed from Lanseria International Airport aboard a Dassault Falcon 900EX. The group stayed at the upscale Corinthia Hotel London during the quick international jaunt before returning.
Payments for the charter were processed through ZIG Revenue Management, a firm linked to Nxumalo. Bank records reportedly show funds originating from XET Solutions, an IT company that held over R100 million in contracts with the City of Ekurhuleni during Mashazi’s tenure. Key transfers included R1.5 million on July 23 and another R1.5 million on July 26, with the final R350,000 paid on August 1.
Mashazi, who served as Ekurhuleni’s city manager (one of the country’s most senior municipal positions), did not declare the trip as required by city policies. She previously declined to name her benefactor when questioned. Nxumalo has admitted to chartering the flight but claimed it was arranged for businessman Ntokozo Xaba of XET Solutions, stating he only later learned that Mashazi and her party had used it.
The revelation adds to ongoing scrutiny of Mashazi’s tenure, which ended in 2025 amid broader probes into municipal governance and contracts. One of her travel companions reportedly secured a lucrative diesel supply contract with the city within a year of the trip.
Nxumalo, founder of ZIG Holdings and a politically connected figure with ties to the taxi finance sector and other ventures, has been described in media as a “playboy businessman.” He rose to prominence as a young entrepreneur after early successes in e-hailing and advisory roles in the minibus taxi industry.
Neither Mashazi nor Nxumalo immediately responded to requests for further comment in the lat
