City of Tshwane Chief Financial Officer Gareth Mnisi is expected to appear before the Madlanga Commission to explain allegations that he attempted to secure a security tender through a non-existent “Matthew Phosa municipality” in Mpumalanga.
The so-called municipality does not exist in law or administration, yet evidence presented to the commission suggests it was used as a front in an alleged scheme involving Mnisi and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi to push through a lucrative contract.
Mnisi is scheduled to testify at the Brigette Mabandla Justice College, where the commission will examine how the alleged plan originated and whether it progressed beyond initial discussions.
The senior official was placed on precautionary suspension this week as investigations into alleged tender irregularities intensify. His suspension follows evidence, including WhatsApp messages between him and Nkosi, discussing active tenders within the Tshwane Municipality and sharing lists of bidders.
These exchanges, already before the commission, have raised concerns about possible interference in procurement processes and the handling of sensitive bidding information.
Pressure on Mnisi escalated in late March when the Tshwane council convened a special sitting and resolved to issue a notice of precautionary suspension. The notice was formally served days later, giving him an opportunity to respond in line with disciplinary procedures for senior managers.
Rather than addressing the allegations directly, Mnisi’s legal team challenged the process, arguing that the notice should be withdrawn. However, city manager Johan Mettler rejected the request and allowed additional time for submissions before proceeding with the suspension.
Beyond the tender allegations, Mnisi is also facing scrutiny over a lifestyle that appears to exceed his reported monthly salary of approximately R124,000. Evidence from court documents related to his 2024 divorce, along with testimony before the commission, points to significant assets.
He is reportedly linked to a collection of high-end vehicles and a property portfolio of at least 10 properties valued at around R36 million, as well as frequent international travel. Much of this wealth is said to be held in family and business trusts registered between 2016 and 2021, with no clear explanation provided for the source of funds.
Mnisi’s testimony is expected to address both the alleged tender manipulation and questions surrounding his assets, as the commission seeks to determine whether the use of the fictitious municipality formed part of a broader pattern of misconduct.
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