Samwu fails to get audience with Transport MMC over JRA grievances

On Friday, a handful of workers affiliated with the municipal workers union picketed outside the JRA’s Johannesburg head offices over alleged corruption, the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), performance bonuses, and pay progression. 

Samwu regional secretary Thobani Nkosi said efforts to escalate their concerns to the Transport MMC Funzi Ngobeni were also thwarted.

“As we met with the acting CEO nothing was fruitful. He acted surprised only to find that he has been part of all processes that we have been engaged in with JRA. We wanted to escalate the matter to the office of the MMC and now the MMC decided not to entertain us. He told us he will meet us when we make a proper appointment with him.”

Workers claim they have not received PPE since December last year, and are also demanding answers about the dysfunctional asphalt plant.

Ngobeni’s office confirmed that the union officials attempted to meet with him, however, he was engaged in other activities because there had not been prior notice from the union of their intention to see him.

Olebogeng Molatlhwa from the MMC’s office said Ngobeni is open to meeting with union leaders should they follow the necessary processes to arrange a meeting.

Nkosi lamented the state of leadership at the agency amid allegations that CEO Tshepo Mahanuke misrepresented his qualifications. He said workers also want the entity’s board dissolved.

The union has also called for the CFO and head of corporate services at the JRA to be sacked while alleging that the pair have been implicated in alleged financial irregularities amounting to more than R400 million.

Nkosi said in the case of the CEO, more officials should be investigated for their part in his appointment.

“It should not be only him. We are saying those who processed his application for the job and signed off his appointment letter must equally face the music.”

Mahanuke's lawyers, Mkhize Attorneys, meanwhile said their client has distanced himself from a CV, purported to be his, that has been widely circulated on social media platforms. 

"Mr Mahanuke is awaiting the employer to institute an independent investigation to which he will co-operate on the alleged falsified qualifications," they said in a statement.

The union warned it will mobilise workers to gather at the offices of the city manager on Monday.