Former JRA CEO Asserts Qualification for the Job Amidst Controversy

Tshepo Mahanuke insists his qualifications are real, countering allegations of fabricating credentials, as the former CEO of the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) faces scrutiny over discrepancies in his academic background.

Last month, JRA terminated Mahanuke’s employment after discovering inconsistencies in his academic qualifications, as per IOL. The agency raised concerns about his claim of a Master’s degree from Harvard University and questioned the authenticity of his honorary doctorate from an international institution.

Multiple investigations were launched to delve into the dispute, including an ongoing court process. In an interview with The Star, Mahanuke vehemently asserted the legitimacy of his qualifications, claiming that a course he completed called “Master Competitive Intelligence” created intentional confusion.

Addressing the allegations, Mahanuke clarified that his CV did not state that he possessed a “Master’s in Intelligence” from Harvard, suggesting that the terminology was altered to fit a particular narrative. He stressed that his undergraduate degree from the Vaal University of Technology and relevant courses from institutions like the University of Pretoria met the requirements for the CEO position, which called for a degree in operations management.

Mahanuke believes that his termination resulted from posing too many questions and offending influential individuals within the JRA. He cited instances such as raising concerns about the jurisdiction of bridge construction between the JRA and the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), claiming to have identified several irregularities within the organisation.

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Currently engaged in a legal battle to regain his position, Mahanuke expressed the financial and emotional toll the matter has taken on him. He also lamented the impact of the allegations on his reputation, highlighting the strain on his family, even necessitating the presence of escorts during routine activities like grocery shopping.

Despite criticisms for his relatively young age of 34, Mahanuke defended his capabilities, drawing on his prior experience as a CEO in another company. He further defended an honorary degree he received in 2019 from an American university, acknowledging his accomplishments in business and entrepreneurship.

According to the JRA, Mahanuke had agreed to a qualifications audit encompassing all employees, including himself. The municipal entity stated that Mahanuke was surprised when he discovered the audit would scrutinise his qualifications.

The JRA justified the termination, contending that it was a last resort due to Mahanuke’s alleged evasion of justice and lack of cooperation in the procedures to uncover the truth behind his appointment and competence.

As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome will shed light on the veracity of the allegations and the ultimate resolution of the disputed qualifications, impacting Mahanuke’s professional trajectory and the reputation of the JRA.

Also read:

Man secured R3.5 million job opportunity using fake documents

Picture: Facebook / South African Government News

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