Tshwane mayor defends council decision as suspended CFO’s allegations deemed ‘less serious’

Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya has defended a council decision that classified the allegations against the municipality’s suspended chief financial officer, Gareth Mnisi, as less serious, saying the disciplinary process will follow prescribed statutory procedures.

Council labels allegations ‘less serious’

The council adopted a report that determined the nature of the allegations against Mnisi did not amount to serious misconduct. The report concluded that the allegations constituted less serious misconduct as contemplated in Part I of Annexure A to the Regulations.

Serious accusations outlined in investigations

Mnisi faces allegations including tender rigging, leaking confidential tender documents and manipulating procurement processes. He has been specifically accused of using his position to influence a multi-billion-rand security contract in favour of preferred bidders.

Mnisi testified at the Madlanga Commission and was described in coverage as a close friend of policeman Fannie Nkosi, whose name arose during testimony at the commission.

Opposition reaction and possible legal steps

The Democratic Alliance’s mayoral candidate, Cilliers Brink, criticised the council’s decision and said Mnisi was being given a “soft landing” by the ANC-led coalition. Brink said a forensic report had found serious breaches of supply chain management regulations, failure to disclose financial interests, and that such findings “clearly falls within the definition of the disciplinary regulations on senior managers within the category of serious misconduct.”

Brink said the DA was considering approaching the courts to set aside the council decisions taken at the meeting and was consulting attorneys.

Moya’s response and earlier remarks on governance

In a media statement, Moya said:

“The disciplinary process will now proceed in accordance with the prescribed statutory procedures.”

Earlier this year, Moya had told the media that the coalition would not be supported if partners acted against principles of good governance. She was quoted as saying:

“If any of us are found to be wrong, the coalition will end. We have a responsibility to the people of Tshwane to restore this institution.

“We cannot restore it by doing the wrong things. So, there is no fear that we cannot act on one of us because the coalition is corrupt.”

What remains

The council’s classification of the allegations as less serious limits the range of disciplinary sanctions available, according to the decision taken. The DA has signalled its intention to explore legal options to challenge the council’s handling of the matter.