Spoornet CEO Zandile Jakavula was this week hauled before a disciplinary tribunal to answer charges that he bought an exclusive riverfront property in an irregular manner and used public funds for personal gain.
Jakavula bought the former railway house in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, from his own organisation at a fraction of its value — and then had his own subordinates renovate it, initially using public money.
Transnet, Spoornet’s parent company, launched a probe into the affair after the Mail & Guardian published details of the transaction. Jakavula was suspended in May after a preliminary investigation by Gobodo, a forensic and investigative firm.
His suspension was followed by that of Spoornet’s property management head Chain Vilakazi, who played a major role in facilitating the transaction. Vilakazi was also present during this week’s hearing.
Both Jakavula and Vilakazi have been presented with charge sheets, details of which have not been made public, but they maintain the transaction was above board.
Transnet’s disciplinary inquiry chairperson Nazeer Cassim this week refused to divulge the details of the hearing, saying it was his duty to maintain the integrity of the probe. However, he confirmed that his team has heard evidence against Jakavula and Vilakazi.
Cassim said the hearing, which lasted for three days, is expected to be concluded by the end of this month. He said the next hearing will be on July 17. Transnet spokesperson Tami Didiza said the parastatal was expecting a report on the inquiry by next week.
Didiza said the transport utility believes ”it has a strong case against them [Jakavula and Vilakazi]”. According to media reports, for the first time in the history of disciplinary hearings at Transnet both Jakavula and Vilakazi are represented by their own lawyers.
While it is common practice for employees of Transnet to acquire properties from the group, they must adhere to strict policy on the sale of houses. Jakavula bought the property last year for R83000, while estate agents had offered to buy the house for more than R250000 on behalf of their clients.
The house was renovated using Spoornet funds at a cost of about R360000, which Jakavula has since repaid. Vilakazi said in May that the parastatal spent public money on what had now become Jakavula’s house because Jakavula had made a firm commitment to repay the funds.