Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya has expressed shock following revelations at the Madlanga Commission suggesting that the municipality may have been infiltrated by criminal networks.
Moya was responding to recent testimony alleging that Sergeant Fannie Nkosi collaborated with the city’s Chief Financial Officer, Gareth Mnisi, and Deputy Police Chief, General Umashi Dhlamini, to manipulate tender processes. The scheme reportedly favoured companies linked to the individuals involved, as well as entities allegedly associated with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and ActionSA.
EFF leader Julius Malema was also referenced in text messages presented at the inquiry. In one exchange, Dhlamini allegedly instructed Nkosi to verify whether certain companies were preferred bidders aligned with the EFF in a security tender. Additional correspondence revealed that Kholofelo Morodi, MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, shared sensitive information with Nkosi, reportedly to assist in securing a tender.
“Yesterday’s reports came as a surprise. At that stage, it was just a headline, and I still need to review the full details of what has been presented,” Moya said in an interview with Newsnote.
She acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but cautioned against drawing conclusions prematurely.
“Of course, it is concerning. When you see a headline like that, you become alarmed. However, responding without full knowledge of the facts would not serve the residents I am accountable to. I cannot base my response on incomplete information,” she said.
Moya emphasized that decisive action would be taken against anyone found guilty of wrongdoing.
“What I can say is that if any member of council, the coalition, or the administration is implicated, we will act. There are no holy cows,” she stated.
She further stressed the importance of accountability across all levels of leadership.
“Even if my name were to be mentioned, no one should shield me. The priority must be to uncover the truth. While these remain allegations that must be tested, no leader should be above scrutiny,” Moya added.
The controversy has intensified political tensions, with the African National Congress (ANC) calling for Mnisi’s dismissal over corruption allegations, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) has strongly defended the CFO.