The United National Transport Union (UNTU) has vowed to challenge the appointment of Prasa’s acting head of security, Alexio Papadopulo, should it find that proper procedures were not followed.
“If it is found that Mr Papadopulo does not have the correct qualifications or that the correct recruitment and selection process was not followed our Prasa National Full-time Representatives will challenge the appointment,” the union said on Monday.
When the news of his appointment surfaced back in 2022, UNTU openly objected, raising concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the appointment process, going to the extent of calling for an enquiry.
At the time, the union raised concerns about the appointment of several individuals, including Papadopulo’s appointment as a senior security officer at an executive (E4 level) despite having no background in security or relevant knowledge.
“These appointments were all made in 2021 on 12-month fixed contracts. It was unknown whether these individuals were registered with PSiRA, as it was a standard requirement.
“Additionally, all the positions were graded higher than those of current managers at the time, and many experienced Prasa employees were overlooked. It appeared that these appointments were politically motivated, and it was evident that no proper procedures were followed. As a result, UNTU requested a forensic audit into these appointments.”
However, the union general-secretary Cobus van Vuuren told the publication that despite its attempts, a forensic audit was never initiated.
It suggested that there were clear signs that they were individuals who had political connections and power, making them untouchable.
The union said Papadopulo has been acting for about two years now, exceeding the set limit for acting role duration.
“Prasa has not disclosed any reasons as to why Alexio Papadupulo has not been appointed. We believe these are the kinds of issues the new minister of transport should be focusing her efforts on,” Van Vuuren added.
At the weekend, Prasa’s spokesperson Andiswa Makanda told The Star that the acting regulations that the union made reference to, did not apply to the rail agency.
Makanda further said the position of head of security would be filled soon. The timelines you refer to for acting positions do not apply to Prasa.
“The position of head of security was advertised in May 2024 and will be filled once the process of appointing a candidate for this role has been finalised.”
Van Vuuren said since the appointment of Papadopulo as head of security, security contracts were cancelled during the 2019 pandemic causing widespread vandalism and cable theft of essential infrastructure.
According to the Railway Safety Regulator’s State of Safety Report 2022/23, an astonishing 8 643 security-related incidents were reported in the past year, 97% of which were theft and vandalism, Van Vuuren disclosed.
“Theft and vandalism have been among Prasa’s biggest challenges. There have been allegations regarding his qualifications for this position.”
Countering the allegations, Papadopulo said he has been instrumental in restoring the passenger rail services and infrastructure.
Furthermore, he said he devised an integrated security strategy to help safeguard the restored rail infrastructure, and since implementing the security strategy, Prasa has seen a 75% reduction in infrastructure theft and vandalism.
“I have also played an instrumental role in restoring services in the Central Line, and all other lines, working and collaborating with the affected communities.The results of my interventions speak for themselves.”
The Star
sipho.jack@inl.co.za