Tshwane parties divided over corruption allegations against city’s CFO

Political parties in the Tshwane municipality remain divided over the corruption allegations levelled against the city’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Gareth Mnisi.

A special council meeting was called on Thursday to deliberate on the allegations against Mnisi; however, it was postponed due to the report not being finalised.

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Some political parties have accused Mnisi of having unexplained wealth, not declaring his business interests and misrepresenting his CV.

In 2024, Mnisi went through a divorce, bringing his private affairs into the spotlight.

His divorce settlement, which is publicly available, details the extent of his wealth, which includes a fleet of luxury sports cars, ten properties and multimillion-rand trusts.

Republican Conference of Tshwane councillor Lex Middelberg said the 36-year-old’s wealth far exceeds his salary and declared assets.

In the meantime, the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s caucus leader, Cilliers Brink, said there are ulterior motives in trying to push the CFO out.

“We are eager to see the report into the CFO’s conduct, and if it warrants an investigation, such an investigation must follow as a matter of law.

“However, we do have reason to believe the ANC [African National Congress] is motivated to move against this official for reasons other than those it has given in public.”

In response, the ANC in Tshwane said the DA is deflecting, since the CFO was hired during its tenure in government.

Middelberg is the person who laid the complaint against the CFO.

Middelberg said he was disappointed the matter could not be concluded in one sitting.

He said an independent investigator must be appointed to probe his allegations.

“It should be noted that once an independent investigator is appointed, parties lose influence over the narrative and may be faced by an outcome they do not desire and cannot control,” he said.