While the ANC preaches belt tightening and financial discipline among civil servants, it seems this does not apply to the mayor of the economically depressed Ekurhuleni unicity, which is made up of several towns and satellite townships on the East Rand. Following the council's approval of the budget, many staff in the office of Vilakazi will be earning salaries that make them the envy of their counterparts. Xaba said the council was considering building new chambers because the current building could no longer afford to accommodate the increased number of councillors.
Council does require decent facilites.
Vilakazi drives around in a fully armoured blue Mercedes E430, which costs R560 000. This is in sharp contrast to what his colleagues in other municipalities are driving. Johannesburg's mayor, Amos Masondo, drives a Mercedes Benz 320, while Tshwane's Father Smangaliso Mkhatswa cruises along in a BMW740i, similar to Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa.