Suspended Tshwane CFO, Gareth Mnisi, has denied influencing tenders in the city for preferred bidders.
Image: Kamogelo Moichela / IOL News
Suspended City of Tshwane CFO, Gareth Mnisi, has denied allegations that he could rig municipal tenders, saying Sergeant Fannie Nkosi got it all wrong but admitted to advising on who should sit on tender boards.
Mnisi is testifying at the Madlanga Commission over allegations that he colluded with Nkosi to influence the city’s tenders towards preferred bidders.
The commission heard that Nkosi sent Mnisi WhatsApp messages listing companies that had submitted bids for a security contract. Two of those companies were later awarded portions of the tender.
Despite this, Mnisi rejected claims of interference or collusion.
Pressed by Co-commissioner Adv. Sandile Khumalo, Mnisi rejected suggestions that he influenced appointments to the Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC).
He maintained that while he chaired the BAC, he did not assist bidders directly or indirectly and had no role in steering outcomes.
"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 [tender],” according to Mnisi who believes that Nkosi was mistaken him for someone who would influence the processes.
However, Mnisi acknowledged that he sometimes advised the city manager on aspects related to committee composition.
He insisted this did not amount to influence over procurement decisions.
Mnisi further told the commission he has never had any financial relationship with Gubis85 Solutions or any TMPD-linked bidders, directors, or shareholders.
Under questioning from evidence leader, Matthew Chaskalson SC, Mnisi said Nkosi’s purpose in sharing bidder lists was to verify compliance rather than influence outcomes.
He reiterated that he did not assist any bidder and dismissed suggestions of collusion as unfounded.
The inquiry is under way.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics