JRA RESIGNATIONS
New unit fuels schism as Joburg roads agency staff quit
The move has raised a red flag for staff about a parallel structure with control over the budget and contracting with suppliers
The spate of resignations by officials at the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) appears to be linked to a plan by the board to establish a unit staffed by consultants and that would take control of the capital spending budget. The board, which accounts to IFP member of the mayoral committee Nonhlanhla Makhuba and was appointed by her in March, decided to set up a project management unit during one of its first meetings. The move has raised a red flag for staff as it constitutes the establishment of a parallel structure with control over contracting with suppliers. In the past financial year, the JRA had a R3.5bn capital budget and an operating budget of R884m. The three-year capital budget as of 2017-18 is R4bn.Makhuba said in an interview on Wednesday that Mpho Kau had indicated in his letter of resignation that certain decisions taken by the board would affect him. Asked if those decisions included the resolution to establish the management unit, Makhuba said yes. It is also clear t...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.