WATCH | Tshwane CFO Gareth Mnisi to testify at Madlanga Commission amid tender rigging allegations

After weeks of allegations, suspicion, and even his suspension, Tshwane’s Chief Financial Officer, Gareth Mnisi, is expected to finally have his say at the Madlanga Commission.

Mnisi is due to appear today (Friday) at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria.

He has been implicated in alleged tender rigging at the Tshwane Municipality, as well as its Metro Police Department. These allegations stem from the testimony of controversial police officer, Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.

During Nkosi’s appearance at the commission, WhatsApp messages between him and Mnisi were presented as evidence. According to those chats, several claims have been made against Mnisi.

One allegation is that Mnisi assisted Nkosi’s brother’s company in securing a tender with the Tshwane Metro Police Department, despite the company allegedly not meeting bid requirements.

It’s also alleged that Mnisi and Nkosi exchanged lists of companies that were preferred bidders for various municipal tenders.

At the time, Mnisi was not only the City’s Chief Financial Officer but also the Chairperson of the Bid Adjudication Committee - a key role responsible for deciding which companies are awarded tenders.

Mnisi is also expected to address whether there was any political interference in the awarding of these tenders. This follows claims from the WhatsApp messages, where Mnisi allegedly mentioned engaging with individuals linked to the EFF and ActionSA regarding a tender that was being advertised.

However, Mnisi has denied all allegations against him.

Before his suspension, the Tshwane Municipality gave him an opportunity to make written submissions on why he should remain in his position. In those submissions, Mnisi denied steering tenders to preferred bidders, sharing confidential information or abusing his position in any way.

Lastly, there’s been public interest in Mnisi’s apparent wealth. Reports have highlighted his luxury vehicles, business interests and expensive watches.

EWN previously reported on this, including a follow-up that shed more light on the matter. As a Section 56 manager - a senior municipal official - Mnisi is subject to regular vetting.

Before his appointment as CFO in November 2023, he underwent vetting by the State Security Agency, which included a lifestyle audit. That process found no adverse findings against him.

So while Mnisi is considered wealthy, authorities have not found evidence suggesting that his wealth was acquired unlawfully.