Tshwane CFO Gareth Mnisi Accused Of Influencing Security Tender Cancellation

Tshwane’s suspended Chief Financial Officer, Gareth Mnisi, has come under scrutiny amid allegations that he used his authority to influence the cancellation of a municipal tender in favour of a figure linked to the taxi industry.

Mnisi, who also serves as chairperson of the city’s bid adjudication committee (BAC), was questioned over the decision to halt a 2024 security tender intended to replace an existing contract safeguarding key municipal infrastructure.

The matter surfaced during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission, where evidence pointed to communications that may have played a role in the tender’s cancellation.

WhatsApp Messages Reveal Tender Interference Concerns

Evidence presented before the commission showed that in March last year, Sergeant Fannie Nkosi had access to a confidential bid evaluation committee document related to the tender process.

Nkosi shared the document via WhatsApp with an individual identified only as “Mampane”, described as the right-hand man of the late taxi boss, Jonathan ‘Mswazi’ Msibi.

In response, Mampane reportedly said: “Bhuti, please let him say no to that appointment.”

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Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson told the commission that this exchange appeared to set off a sequence of events that ultimately led to the cancellation of the tender by the BAC, chaired by Mnisi.

“What I want to put to you, Mr Mnisi, if we look at these three bullet points (in the BAC report), none of them justify a reason to cancel,” Chaskalson said.

Mnisi Rejects Allegations, Defends Decision

Mnisi rejected the suggestion that the cancellation lacked valid grounds or that he was aware of any external communications influencing the process.

“I had indicated clearly that the probity report is a critical document that was considered by the BAC in terms of cancelling that. I further disagree with the notion that I had any knowledge of whatever discussions were occurring between Mr Mampane and Sergeant Nkosi,” he said.

The decision to cancel the tender had immediate operational consequences for the municipality.

Tender Cancellation Forces Contract Extension

Following the cancellation, the city was compelled to extend an existing security contract that has been in place since 2022.

The extension ensured continued protection of critical municipal infrastructure while the procurement process remained unresolved.

The commission continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the tender decision and the role of individuals involved.