By Johnathan Paoli
The City of Tshwane has moved to discipline Chief Financial Officer Gareth Mnisi after the Madlanga Commission heard allegations that he colluded with a police officer to help a non-compliant company secure a metro security tender.
“This evening, Council has taken the important step of approving a report to institute disciplinary steps against the Chief Financial Officer, Mr Gareth Mnisi, including initiating steps to place him on precautionary suspension,” Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya said in a statement on Thursday night.
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At the commission, WhatsApp messages showed SAPS Organised Crime Sergeant Fannie Nkosi and Mnisi were in regular contact over the tender, with Nkosi allegedly pushing for his brother Bheki Nkosi’s company, Ngaphesheya Constructions and Projects, to secure the contract despite being non-compliant.
Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson told the commission the pair appeared to have colluded to benefit the company.
Nkosi claimed Mnisi’s assistance related to a separate tender at a supposed “Mathew Phosa Municipality” in Mpumalanga, which does not exist, while admitting he had asked Mnisi to help “open doors” for his brother.
Moya said the city would follow due process and Mnisi would be given an opportunity to submit reasons why he should not be placed on precautionary suspension.
“An independent investigator will be appointed to investigate the allegations of potential misconduct. This is to ensure that the process is objective, credible, and capable of withstanding scrutiny,” Moya said.
She said the council’s decision reflected the seriousness with which the municipality was treating financial governance and accountability.
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“Given the central role of the Chief Financial Officer in safeguarding the City’s financial systems, it is essential that these matters are handled in a manner that protects both the integrity of the institution and the credibility of the process,” she said.
Moya said Mnisi had been on leave during the week while the city prepared the matter for council consideration and worked through procedural requirements.
“It is important to emphasise that this is a precautionary measure, taken to allow for a fair, thorough, and uninterrupted process. It does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing. The City will proceed in accordance with the applicable legal and governance frameworks as the matter progresses and will act decisively on the basis of the evidence before it,” she said.
