Gareth Mnisi, the suspended Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Tshwane, has publicly refuted any association with tenderpreneur Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. Nonetheless, he openly admitted to maintaining a close friendship with Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, who remains in custody as he awaits bail.

Background: Tender Irregularities Under Scrutiny

In recent hearings before the Madlanga Commission, Deputy Chief of Police for Asset Protection and Security Services at the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), Revo Spies, revealed concerns about possible tender manipulation. The commission disclosed that 22 companies were awarded a security contract valued at approximately R2.9 billion to date.

Among these companies, three have been singled out for alleged involvement in tender rigging linked to Nkosi. Mnisi’s name surfaced during the inquiry through WhatsApp communications exchanged with Nkosi, as well as messages involving TMPD Deputy Chief Umashi Dhlamini.

Details of the Alleged Tender Manipulation

Nkosi testified that Dhlamini provided a list of seven preferred service providers for the security tender, which was then forwarded to Mnisi. Nkosi also admitted to recommending two companies to the CFO, one reportedly owned by his brother.

Following these revelations, the City of Tshwane placed Mnisi on precautionary suspension on Wednesday pending further investigation.

Mnisi’s Testimony: A Personal Bond with Nkosi

During his appearance before the commission on Friday, Mnisi confirmed the depth of his relationship with Nkosi. He described their friendship as one built on shared interests such as motorbiking, shooting, and culinary appreciation.

“Our friendship grew over time, beginning with a chance meeting when Sergeant Nkosi arrived on a motorbike, which caught my attention,” Mnisi explained. “We gradually started socializing more frequently and became close friends.”

Mnisi also revealed that he met Nkosi during a challenging period marked by a difficult divorce, during which Nkosi provided emotional support and guidance. “I trusted him deeply and considered him like a brother,” he added.

Work Discussions Without Sensitive Disclosures

Mnisi acknowledged that their conversations occasionally touched on work-related issues, which he deemed normal among friends. However, he firmly denied sharing or receiving any confidential or sensitive information.

He emphasized that he never accepted any form of payment or benefit from Nkosi, either directly or indirectly, including through third parties.

“On several occasions, Sergeant Nkosi accompanied me to meetings when I felt vulnerable, purely as a friend. I never viewed this as a favor or benefit for either of us,” Mnisi stated.

Clarifying Procurement Concerns

Mnisi recounted that Nkosi once mentioned his brother’s company was struggling to engage with Tshwane’s procurement system despite being registered as a vendor. Nkosi provided his brother’s vendor number, prompting Mnisi to verify its status within the City’s new business network.

“My inquiry was solely to confirm whether the vendor number had been correctly migrated during the implementation of new internal controls, as many suppliers were experiencing difficulties,” Mnisi explained.

Denial of Any Connection to Matlala

Mnisi categorically denied any relationship with Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, stating, “I have never met, communicated with, or interacted with Mr. Matlala in any capacity. There has been no personal, professional, social, or official relationship between us.”

He also distanced himself from companies implicated in the Tshwane tender system, acknowledging only a peripheral awareness of Nkosi’s brother’s involvement but no direct contact.

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