City of Tshwane initiates disciplinary action against CFO Gareth Mnisi amid Madlanga Commission allegations

In a significant move toward administrative accountability, the City of Tshwane Council has approved a report to initiate disciplinary proceedings and the precautionary suspension of Chief Financial Officer (CFO),Mr Gareth Mnisi.

The decision, announced by Executive Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya on 26 March 2026, follows serious allegations of misconduct linked to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Key developments in the disciplinary process

The City Council's resolution sets in motion a formal governance procedure to address allegations that have recently surfaced in the domain.

• Precautionary Suspension: Steps have been taken to place Mr Mnisi on precautionary suspension to ensure an unimpeded investigation.
• Due Process: Mr Mnisi has been granted seven days to provide written representations to the City, explaining why he should not be suspended.
• Independent Investigation: The City will appoint an independent investigator to probe allegations and provide a objective finding on the matter.
• Current Status: Mr Mnisi was on leave during the past week while the preliminary investigation findings were finalised for Council review.

Public allegations and context

The investigation focuses on several critical areas of concern regarding Mr Mnisi's tenure and professional history:

Tender manipulation allegations

Testimony provided at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, notably by Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, alleged that Mr Mnisi was involved in coordinating “preferred bidders” for a multimillion-rand security tender. These allegations include the use of WhatsApp communications to influence the procurement process in favor of specific companies.

Alleged professional misrepresentation

Further scrutiny has been applied to Mr Mnisi's professional credentials. Formal complaints submitted to the Council allege that he misrepresented his employment history, specifically concerning past roles at the National Treasury and claims regarding “clean audits” achieved at previous municipalities, which critics argue are not supported by official records.

Undisclosed business interests

Public records have also surfaced suggesting that Mr Mnisi holds active directorships in multiple private companies that were allegedly not declared to the City of Tshwane at the time of his appointment.

Commitment to governance

Mayor Moya emphasised that these steps are vital for maintaining the integrity of the City's financial oversight. Given the CFO's critical role in managing public funds, the administration has stressed that the matter must be handled with the highest level of scrutiny.

“This step reflects the seriousness with which the City is addressing allegations relating to financial governance, accountability, and oversight.” — Dr. Nasiphi Moya, Executive Mayor.

The City of Tshwane maintains that the current suspension is a precautionary measure and does not constitute a final finding of guilt. The administration remains committed to following established legal and governance frameworks as the investigation unfolds.