The City of Tshwane has placed its chief financial officer, Gareth Mnisi, on precautionary suspension for three months on full pay. The suspension follows testimony at the Madlanga Commission that linked Mnisi to alleged irregularities in a multibillion-rand metro police security tender.
Why it matters
Tshwane is South Africa’s administrative capital and its second-largest metro by budget. Allegations of tender rigging at the CFO level strike at the heart of financial governance in a municipality already struggling with service delivery backlogs.
The allegations
According to documentary evidence presented at the Madlanga Commission, Mnisi allegedly assisted a company linked to the brother of a co-accused in securing a Tshwane Metro Police Department tender. The company reportedly did not meet bid requirements.
Mnisi was appointed CFO in November 2023. He had previously argued that his presence at work posed no risk to the investigation and demanded the withdrawal of his suspension notice.
Opulent lifestyle under scrutiny
The suspension has drawn attention to Mnisi’s declared assets, which include a Porsche 911 Turbo valued at approximately R6 million and a Bryanston property worth R15 million that he built from scratch using cash. His total property and vehicle portfolio is reportedly valued at R36 million.
Authorities have not yet found evidence that his wealth was acquired unlawfully.
What happens next
Mnisi is scheduled to testify before the Madlanga Commission on Friday, 17 April. The City of Tshwane has confirmed it will begin disciplinary proceedings during his suspension period. The outcome of the commission’s findings could determine whether criminal charges follow.