The Sunday Times investigation traces the financial trail of a R3.35 million private jet charter tied to former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi’s 2022 trip to London.

Central to the story is Ze Nxumalo, a politically connected powerbroker whose companies, including ZIG Revenue Management and XET Solutions, are shown to have moved funds in ways that culminated in the charter via Onyx Aviation, a Lanseria-based operator.Bank statements indicate that XET Solutions deposited R5.75 million into Zig Revenue Management in July 2022, with subsequent transfers totaling R3.

35 million to Onyx Aviation for the flight, and additional payments to cover the charter, which included the Mashazi party, the trip route via Accra, and the return.

The piece raises questions about influence, the role of “blessers” or patrons in political and municipal circles, and the transparency of private travel funded by business interests.