South Africa - Pretoria - 17 April 2026. Tshwane CFO Gareth Mnisi testifies at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Suspended Tshwane CFO Gareth Mnisi has admitted that he bought a gift for Sergeant Fannie Nkosi but denied claims that it was meant to influence lucrative municipal tenders, saying there was “no inducement, no favour, no corruption.”
Testifying before the Madlanga commission on Friday, Mnisi moved swiftly to contain the damage of allegations tying him to a widening R2.9 billion tender scandal.
Calm but firm, he portrayed his relationship with Nkosi as deeply personal, forged during a difficult divorce and rooted in what he called a “brotherly” bond.
“There was no exchange of money, no arrangement, no benefit,” Mnisi said.
“I did purchase a gift for Nkosi. I wish to state unequivocally that this gift was not offered as gratification, inducement or a bribe, nor was it linked to any way, to any act, official act, favour, benefit, expectation for preferential treatment”.
The commission, however, is probing a far more complex web.
Testimony has already revealed that 22 companies secured a massive security services tender, with billions already paid out.
Investigators are now zeroing in on three firms allegedly linked to manipulation, connections that place Nkosi in the spotlight.
Mnisi’s name surfaced in WhatsApp exchanges between Nkosi and suspended TMPD deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini, raising questions about his role in the procurement process.
Nkosi previously testified that Dhlamini compiled a list of seven preferred service providers, which was allegedly passed on to Mnisi.
He also admitted submitting two companies of his own choosing, one reportedly linked to his brother.
Mnisi distanced himself from the claims, insisting his dealings with Dhlamini were strictly professional and denying any association with tender tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The City of Tshwane has since placed Mnisi on precautionary suspension as scrutiny intensified.
Mnisi is expected back on the stand on Monday
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