Tshwane CFO denies tender manipulation despite WhatsApp evidence

Gareth Mnisi told the Madlanga Commission he never influenced procurement outcomes, though messages show sergeant sent him bidder names.

Suspended City of Tshwane chief financial officer Gareth Mnisi denied allegations of tender manipulation and collusion during testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, despite WhatsApp evidence linking him to a suspended police officer involved in a R2.9-billion security tender process¹²⁸.

Mnisi was placed on precautionary suspension on 15 April 2026 for three months pending an investigation into his alleged involvement in tender rigging¹. The commission is investigating allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in criminal justice and metro police structures, with particular focus on procurement processes².

Central to the inquiry are WhatsApp messages in which Sergeant Fannie Nkosi sent Mnisi lists of companies that had bid for a City of Tshwane security tender². Evidence before the commission indicates two of those companies were subsequently awarded portions of the contract². Mnisi acknowledged receiving the communications but said Nkosi operated under a "mistaken belief" that he could assess compliance in the tender process². He maintained he did not assist any bidder, directly or indirectly².

Mnisi described Nkosi as "like a brother" and said their relationship was a close personal friendship formed during a difficult period in his life, rather than a professional or business association¹². He denied financially benefiting from security companies doing business with the city³.

Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga challenged Mnisi's testimony, saying: "I want to suggest to you that you were actually cooperating with Sergeant Nkosi"⁵. Commissioner Sesi Baloyi asked Mnisi why he did nothing when directly approached to assist a particular bidder, calling this "a red flag in itself"⁷.

The commission heard that Nkosi was in possession of a confidential draft report relating to the security tender¹¹. Evidence also showed that tender recommendations were made on 28 May before bids were scored on 29 May, which advocate Matthew Chaskalson suggested could constitute fraud¹⁰.

Three security companies are under scrutiny: Gubis 85 Solutions, owned by Calvin Mahlangu, which received the largest share of the tender; Triotic Protection Services, linked to ANC Tshwane chairperson Eugene Modise; and Ngaphesheya Security, owned by Bheki Nkosi and linked to Fannie Nkosi³. Mnisi denied any dealings with Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema or his party in relation to the tender⁶.