Tshwane Politics in Turmoil: More Suspensions Loom as Madlanga Commission Exposes Tender Irregularities

Many people are sitting on the edge of their seats to see who is the next person to be suspended following explosive allegations at last week’s Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into political interference in tender processes in the City of Tshwane.

The Suspensions

Last week, the city’s MMC for corporate and shared services, Kholofelo Morodi, and deputy chief of the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), Umashi Dhlamini, were suspended after being named in the commission.

The Allegations Against Modise

Tshwane deputy mayor and MMC of finance Eugene “Bonzo” Modise has affirmed there have been no findings of wrongdoing against him and welcomed the city’s investigation after he was accused by the DA of benefiting from a security contract awarded to Triotic Protection Services.

DA mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink alleged evidence exists that Modise has undisclosed interests in at least two companies doing business with the municipality.

“This is a serious and continuing breach of the code of conduct for councillors. One of Modise’s businesses is a security company, Triotic Protection Services. The second is a water tanker company, Gofoane. There is no credible indication that Modise has divested his interest in either of these companies.”

“As finance MMC, he is in a position to benefit his own businesses at the expense of the city.”

Brink noted that Mayor Nasiphi Moya had suspended Morodi for evidence against her at the Madlanga Commission, but Modise has not been suspended.

FF+ Weighs In

Grandi Theunissen, FF+ Tshwane caucus leader, said they had already submitted an urgent motion to the speaker to launch an investigation into the CFO and TMPD deputy chief.

He said evidence before the Madlanga Commission shows that ActionSA and the EFF may have been involved in attempts to influence the awarding of a multimillion-rand security contract”a clear example of serious political interference and irregularities in the tender process, by the ruling coalition of ActionSA, the EFF and ANC.”

“It also appears that it may be a power struggle to seize funds from the metro.”

On Morodi’s suspension, Theunissen said: “There is a history of poor judgment by Morodi. The public was previously shocked by a proposal by her to sell the historic City Hall to the Iranian embassy.”

The Analyst View

Political analyst Rene Oosthuizen said this situation reflects a troubling trend where issues of accountability and ethical leadership have too often been reactive rather than proactive.

“In my view, concerns previously raised now seem less like rhetoric and more like missed opportunities for early intervention.”

She said there is no doubt that this will negatively affect the image of the City of Tshwane and further erode public trust.

The Bottom Line

Suspensions have begun. Allegations are flying. The Madlanga Commission has exposed deep rot.

Who’s next? That’s the question on everyone’s lips in Tshwane.

{Source: Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com