Ekurhuleni MMC for Human Settlements Nsizwa Nkgopotse Mekgwe has been accused of failing to settle a bill of R123,155 allegedly incurred at a well-known establishment last Monday, with a waiter reportedly left fearing she could be held responsible for the outstanding amount.
According to screenshots, receipts and information circulating on social media, the large bill remains unpaid, while efforts to contact Mekgwe about the matter have allegedly gone unanswered.
The allegations were shared alongside screenshots and what appears to be a receipt reflecting the amount of R123,155. The post alleges that the politician has been contacted repeatedly regarding the outstanding payment.
According to the screenshots, the situation has become particularly stressful for the waiter involved, who reportedly fears she could be held liable if the account is not settled.
Receipt shows R123,155 allegedly outstanding
The receipt shared alongside the allegations reportedly shows a total bill of R123,155, allegedly incurred by Mekgwe and his party at the establishment last Monday.
Screenshots circulating online also suggest that attempts were made to reach the MMC and secure payment, but that there had allegedly been no response.
The social media post further claims that Mekgwe has continued to remain active online, including posting WhatsApp statuses, despite allegedly ignoring repeated messages and calls regarding the bill.
The allegations have sparked questions online about who should ultimately be held responsible for the account and whether the establishment has taken any further steps to recover the money.
At the time of publication, Mekgwe had not publicly responded to the allegations or confirmed whether the bill had been paid.
Waiter reportedly fears she could be held responsible
The situation has reportedly caused concern for the waiter who handled the table, amid fears that she could be held accountable for the unpaid bill.
According to the information received, the waiter has been trying to get clarity on when the account will be settled.
The screenshots and messages shared online have since drawn attention to the pressure placed on restaurant staff when customers allegedly leave without settling substantial bills.
It is not yet clear what arrangement, if any, was made between Mekgwe, the establishment and staff before the bill was incurred.
Who is Nsizwa Mekgwe?
Mekgwe is the City of Ekurhuleni’s MMC for Human Settlements, a position he was appointed to in February 2026 as part of Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza’s mayoral committee appointments. The city’s official leadership page lists him as the MMC responsible for the Human Settlements portfolio.
His portfolio is responsible for issues relating to housing development and human settlements in Ekurhuleni, including efforts to identify land for housing development and promote access to adequate housing.
Mekgwe has also represented the city at housing-related events, including the handover of more than 140 housing units at the Clayville Mega Project in June, alongside Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane and Gauteng MEC Tasneem Motara.
The City of Ekurhuleni’s official website still listed Mekgwe as MMC for Human Settlements on August 26.
