The Tshwane metro has stated that it has not received formal evidence or allegations against its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Gareth Mnisi, following calls by the local ANC branch for a forensic investigation into his conduct and his immediate suspension.

It said it will only act once allegations are formally submitted and backed by evidence.

This follows a media briefing by the ANC in Greater Tshwane on February 17, where regional secretary George Matjila accused Mnisi of failing to submit annual financial statements, flouting the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

Matjila said Mnisi’s tenure has only been described by the ballooning of unauthorised, irregular, wasteful, and fruitless expenditure, and having a history of unexplained wealth and unjustifiable demands.

He accused city officials of running a corruption ring for which politicians are now being blamed.

Matjila also claimed that several critical tenders, including road, transport, and security contracts, had been improperly cancelled or delayed under the CFO’s office.

“Road and Transport tenders were cancelled without explanation, directly leading to poor grant performance. A security tender has contributed to irregular spending and was inexplicably postponed for a full year. While the coalition is seen as protecting the current tender, our information shows the hindrance originates from the CFO’s office.”

Matjila said the toilets supplier tender was also cancelled and extended for a year without a full report to the Mayoral Committee.

“We have reason to believe that the planned new appointments involve 10 companies handpicked by the CFO from his close proxies.

“The ANC will not fold its arms while the supply chain management department continues to fail under the CFO’s leadership,” said Matjila.

He added that the ANC is aware that the city manager attempted to table a report to Council on this matter, but consensus from the coalition parties was not reached.

“We suspect the Mayoral Committee is circumspect, fearing blame from the opposition for ‘targeting officials’. The city manager must, without further delay, take this report to Council.”

He said the current audit outcomes hinge on the CFO’s leadership, yet documents continue to be submitted late to the AG, jeopardising the entire process.

Matjila raised concerns about the bizarre security arrangements relating to the CFO.

“The CFO is protected by unauthorised bodyguards providing static security in the council building, an arrangement not approved by Council. Who is the CFO afraid of, and has he reported any threat to the SAPS? We demand a full report from the city manager,” Matjila said.

He further alleged a history of personal financial misconduct, citing revelations during the Johannesburg High Court divorce proceedings of Mnisi’s ex-wife, who demanded a monthly spousal allowance of R250 000 and listed assets worth over R68-million.

“His presence is a clear risk, exposing the municipality to reputational damage and potential litigation from his past and future dealings,” Matjila said.

He further raised issues within the TMPD, alleging that junior officials had been dismissed unfairly while senior officials who broke the law were not held accountable.

“The Chief of Police received only a slap on the wrist for failing to explain an unauthorised donation and Christmas holiday. Her deputy received a certificate for training she never attended, and the chief has failed to act against her deputy because she herself escaped proper scrutiny,” he said.

According to Matjila, the Chief of Police has illegally reassigned functions of Corporate Services to her favoured deputies, creating operational anomalies.

“The appointment of 200 metro police trainees is marred by malfeasance and favouritism, with qualified candidates overlooked.”

He said the Chief of Police maintains an escort detail larger than that of the Premier of Gauteng.

“We demand a full risk assessment to justify this extravagant use of resources.”

He said the ANC will use all available council mechanisms and public platforms to ensure accountability is restored.

Responding to the claims, DA Tshwane caucus leader Alderman Cilliers Brink said the ANC was using the briefing to target officials in the city they currently govern.

“The ANC hyped up a press conference claiming they would reveal major wrongdoing in the metro they currently govern, after postponing it once already. Instead of revealing anything new, the ANC focused on attacking the CFO and the TMPD Chief,” Brink said.

Brink said this shows the ANC’s real goal is to remove senior officials who are not playing along with their agenda.

“The ANC should stop the theatrics and come clean about what is really happening in Tshwane. Including spending R777-million, a 455% year-on-year increase on water tankers and millions on security contracts linked to their own networks via the deputy mayor and MMC of finance, Eugene Modise,” Brink added.

Rekord reached out to Mnisi for comment, and he directed Rekord to the city’s media and communications team.

Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the city manager has not been formally furnished with allegations and evidence levelled at the CFO.

“The city will apply its mind upon receipt of the allegations. After receipt of the allegations formally, the city will communicate its position.”

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