Mnisi tells Madlanga Commission there was “no corruption” in controversial Tshwane tender allegations

Suspended Tshwane chief financial officer Gareth Mnisi returned to the spotlight this week as he faced intense questioning at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he firmly denied any involvement in corruption linked to a multi-billion-rand tender investigation.

His appearance comes as the City of Tshwane continues to probe alleged irregularities involving security contracts worth billions, with several officials and companies already drawn into the widening case.

A gift, but not a bribe, says Mnisi

At the centre of Mnisi’s testimony was his admission that he bought a personal gift for Sergeant Fannie Nkosi a detail investigators say is part of a much larger and more complex story.

But Mnisi was quick to push back on any suggestion of wrongdoing. He insisted the gesture had nothing to do with municipal tenders or procurement decisions.

“There was no inducement, no favour, no corruption,” he told the commission, describing the relationship as personal and rooted in what he referred to as a “brotherly” bond formed during a difficult period in his private life.

He stressed that the gift carried no expectation of benefit, influence, or official advantage.

Commission probes a wider tender network

While Mnisi focused on separating personal relationships from professional conduct, the commission has been examining a far broader network of alleged procurement manipulation.

Evidence presented so far shows that 22 companies were awarded a large security services tender, with billions already paid out. Investigators are now focusing on three firms suspected of irregular links to the process.

That trail of scrutiny has placed Nkosi at the centre of the unfolding narrative, with testimony suggesting that internal lists of preferred service providers may have circulated among officials.

WhatsApp messages and procurement questions

A key part of the inquiry involves WhatsApp messages exchanged between Nkosi and suspended Tshwane Metro Police deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini. Those messages, according to testimony, included references to service providers and procurement discussions.

Nkosi previously told the commission that Dhlamini compiled a list of seven companies believed to be preferred bidders, which was allegedly shared further. He also admitted to submitting two companies of his own selection, one of which is reportedly linked to a relative.

These revelations have raised questions about how deeply informal communications may have intersected with formal municipal procurement processes.

Mnisi distances himself from tender influence claims

Mnisi rejected any suggestion that he influenced or participated in tender decisions. He also denied any association with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whose name has surfaced in related discussions.

He maintained that his interactions with officials, including Dhlamini, remained strictly professional and unrelated to procurement outcomes.

Despite his defence, the City of Tshwane has placed him on precautionary suspension as investigations continue to intensify.

Political pressure and public attention growing

Outside the commission, the case has become a talking point in political and public circles, especially as allegations involve high-value contracts and senior municipal figures.

On social media, reactions have been split between those calling for accountability and others cautioning against premature judgment before the commission concludes its findings.

For now, Mnisi is expected to return to the stand on Monday, where further questioning is likely to probe deeper into the relationships and decisions under scrutiny.

As the commission continues, one thing is clear, what began as a procurement inquiry has evolved into a much broader examination of trust, influence, and governance inside one of South Africa’s key metros.