JRA places CEO on special leave amid qualifications row

The CEO's qualifications have been called into question after the Daily Maverick published an explosive article about his lack of tertiary qualifications.

In an article, the publication stated that Mahanuke claimed to have a master’s degree in “Competitive Intelligence” from ACI College, Harvard Business School that seemingly doesn't exist.

Mahanuke also an honorary doctorate from the Trinity International University of Ambassadors but it was found that the doctorate can allegedly be bought for a small “support honorarium”.

But the city's Transport MMC Funzi Ngobeni defended him, saying his Honorary Degrees had carried no weight in the decision to appoint him as CEO of JRA.

The city confirmed that Mahanuke was appointed based on the qualifications he obtained; a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and BTech in Operations Management.

However, the minimum requirements for the post were Bachelor's degree in Operational Management or business or engineering or relevant NQF Level 7 equivalent.

In a joint statement released on Thursday, the city's Mayor Mpho Phalatse and Ngobeni said they welcome the board chairperson's decision to place Mahanuke on special leave.

"Following thorough consultation, the move to place Mr Mahanuke on special leave was deemed the most appropriate to allow for a fair process, by an independent entity, to unfold to determine the facts. Mr Mahanuke’s decision to willingly subject himself to this process is also noted and commended."

The city says the investigation process is expected to be completed by the 30th of November 2022. 

"A speedy but thorough process will allow the Johannesburg Roads Agency, the city at large and the multi-party government, to focus on fulfilling the urgent service delivery mandate that is before us, with little distraction."

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