‘I’m Not Your Tender Fixer’: Controversial Suspended Tshwane CFO Mnisi Denies Rigging Claims, Admits Advising on Tender Panels

The controversial suspended City of Tshwane Chief Financial Officer, Gareth Mnisi is expected back on the stand as evidence leaders measure his testimony against documents and other witnesses.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief

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Pretoria — The controversial suspended City of Tshwane Chief Financial Officer, Gareth Mnisi, struck a defiant tone at the Madlanga Commission this week, rejecting allegations that he manipulated municipal tenders for preferred bidders while confirming he advised on the make-up of tender committees.

“I’m not your tender fixer,” Mnisi told the commission. “Sgt Fannie Nkosi got it all wrong.”

Mnisi is testifying over claims that he colluded with Nkosi, a Tshwane Metro Police Department sergeant, to steer city contracts toward specific companies. The Madlanga Commission is investigating procurement irregularities in the capital, with a sharp focus on security tenders.

Evidence before the commission showed Nkosi sent Mnisi WhatsApp messages listing companies that had submitted bids for a major city security contract. Two of the firms named in those messages were later awarded portions of the tender.

Mnisi denied any interference. “I wish to place on record that Nkosi persistently forwarded me names of two prospective bidders who were subsequently awarded as part and parcel of this,” he said. “I believe that Nkosi was mistaking me for someone who would influence the processes.”

Under questioning from Co-commissioner Adv. Sandile Khumalo, Mnisi addressed his role as chair of the Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC). “Yes, I chaired the BAC,” he said. “But I did not assist bidders directly or indirectly and I had no role in steering outcomes. My function was to preside over the process, not to decide winners.”

Khumalo pressed him on whether he influenced appointments to the BAC. Mnisi denied it, but acknowledged he did provide guidance at times. He told the commission he sometimes advised the city manager on aspects related to committee composition.

“I gave input on structure when asked,” Mnisi said. “This did not amount to influence over procurement decisions. Advising on who is competent to sit on a panel is not the same as telling them who to appoint or which company should win.”

That line between “advising” and “influencing” dominated his evidence. Mnisi maintained that while lists and names crossed his desk, he did not act on them to favour any bidder.

He also denied any financial ties to entities flagged in the inquiry. “I have never had any financial relationship with Gubis85 Solutions or any TMPD-linked bidders, directors, or shareholders,” he testified. “Not one cent, not one meeting about business.”

Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson SC tested Mnisi on Nkosi’s intent in sharing the bidder lists. Mnisi held that the messages were about compliance, not collusion. “Nkosi’s purpose in sharing bidder lists was to verify compliance rather than influence outcomes,” he said. “I did not assist any bidder and I dismiss suggestions of collusion as unfounded.”

Beyond the tender claims, the controversial suspended CFO is facing separate scrutiny. The commission has flagged a lifestyle that appears to far exceed his reported monthly salary of about R124,000. That issue was not ventilated in detail this week but is expected to return in later hearings.

Mnisi was placed on precautionary suspension by the City of Tshwane as the allegations mounted. He has denied wrongdoing since the claims first emerged.

The Madlanga Commission, mandated to probe fraud, corruption, and maladministration in Tshwane, resumes next week. Mnisi is expected back on the stand as evidence leaders measure his testimony against documents and other witnesses.

His closing remark to the commission was blunt: “If you’re looking for a tender fixer, you’re looking at the wrong person.”