City of Tshwane CFO Gareth Mnisi has been reinstated after a three-month precautionary suspension following Madlanga Commission testimony linking him to alleged tender collusion. An internal review classified the misconduct allegations as less serious. Image: Newsroom Africa
The Gareth Mnisi CFO reinstatement is confirmed after the City of Tshwane classified his misconduct allegations as less serious. The Gareth Mnisi Tshwane CFO reinstatement follows a finding that the misconduct allegations against him are less serious than first assessed. Furthermore, Mnisi faced suspension on 15 April 2026 after Madlanga Commission testimony linked him to alleged tender rigging involving a R2.9 billion security contract. As a result, his return to office has drawn sharp public reaction.
Gareth Mnisi CFO Reinstatement: What the City Decided
The City of Tshwane confirmed Mnisi will return as CFO after an internal review classified the misconduct allegations as less serious. The commission had heard he leaked confidential tender documents to friends and may have participated in a tender rigging scheme. Furthermore, the city’s internal review reached a different conclusion to the commission testimony that triggered the suspension. As a result, Mnisi returns to one of the most senior financial positions in South African local government despite questions the commission has not yet resolved.
How He Got Suspended
Tshwane council voted unanimously to suspend Mnisi on 15 April 2026 in a special meeting held behind closed doors. Gauteng Organised Crime Unit Sergeant Fannie Nkosi testified that Mnisi used his position as CFO and Bid Adjudication Committee chairperson to steer tenders toward preferred bidders. Nkosi alleged Mnisi also shared confidential tender information to influence outcomes on two major security tenders. Mayor Nasiphi Moya confirmed the suspension. “This decision has been taken in order to safeguard the integrity of the investigation and to protect the interests of the municipality,” she said. As a result, Mnisi went on full pay suspension for three months while an investigation got underway.
What Mnisi Said at the Commission
Mnisi appeared before the commission on 17 and 21 April 2026. He denied all the allegations. He said he had no business interests and never received gratification from companies that bid for tenders. On the conflict of interest allegations, he admitted helping a company linked to Nkosi’s brother with tender documentation but said it had nothing to do with the City of Tshwane. “I just looked at raw documents provided and responded to key areas. There was no conflict of interest,” he said. He also denied colluding with EFF leader Julius Malema on the R2.9 billion security tender. As a result, observers described his commission testimony as blanket denials across the board.
The Lifestyle Nobody Could Explain
His suspension placed his lifestyle under intense scrutiny. Divorce court documents revealed luxury vehicles including Porsches, Range Rovers and a Maserati Levante. Properties linked to him were reportedly valued at approximately R36 million. A presiding judge in the divorce proceedings noted that Mnisi was reluctant to disclose the sources of his assets. His monthly CFO salary is approximately R124,000. Furthermore, the judge noted the couple travelled frequently abroad. As a result, the gap between his declared income and his apparent lifestyle remained a central and unresolved question throughout the suspension.
Why the Reinstatement Is Controversial
The Madlanga Commission is still hearing evidence and has not yet produced its final report. Its term has been extended to November 2026. The commission’s Recommendations Task Team has already arrested senior officials in Ekurhuleni and Tshwane for matters arising from commission testimony. Furthermore, reinstating Mnisi before the commission has concluded its work on matters directly related to his alleged conduct creates a complicated situation for both the municipality and the commission. As a result, the city finds itself defending a decision that is technically lawful but reputationally difficult to explain.
South Africans have reacted with frustration. Commentary across social media reflects the view that classifying Madlanga Commission-linked allegations as less serious sends a troubling message about accountability in local government. Critics note that a precautionary suspension is not a finding of guilt or innocence. As a result, the reinstatement sits within the legal framework of employment law even if it lands badly with the public.
For more on the City of Tshwane visit tshwane.gov.za.
Editors Note Gareth Mnisi is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. All allegations referenced in this article are unproven. The Madlanga Commission has made no findings against Mnisi at this stage. The city’s internal review found the misconduct allegations to be less serious. Mzansi Today Live will update this article as further information becomes available.