The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard explosive testimony on Wednesday revealing WhatsApp communications that suggest the EFF and ActionSA were involved in efforts to influence a multi-million-rand security tender in the City of Tshwane .
Testifying before the commission, Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, a member of the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit, presented messages extracted from his phone that detailed behind-the-scenes manoeuvring involving Tshwane CFO Gareth Mnisi and former TMPD deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini .
The WhatsApp Trail
According to evidence led by chief evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, Nkosi sent Dhlamini a message containing names of two security companies he was recommending for a tender related to the Tshwane Metro Police Department. One of these companies belongs to Nkosi’s brother .
Dhlamini responded with the names of seven security companies, followed by a text that read: “Afternoon Captain. I trust you are well and your family. The above mentioned [companies] is from red berets. Please check with Mfethwu [Mnisi] if it’s the same with his from CIC (a reference to EFF leader Julius Malema) to verify its authenticity” .
Nkosi then forwarded this message to Mnisi. A few days later, Mnisi responded: “Good Morning. I had a meeting with ActionSA and EFF yesterday. Telling me to submit 5 [company names] is ‘an insult and didn’t seat (sic) well with me'” .
Allegations of Political Interference
Nkosi testified that Dhlamini compiled the list of seven preferred companies after allegedly receiving them from the EFF . According to Nkosi’s testimony, Mnisi indicated he had been engaging with both the EFF and ActionSA about the tender .
The tender in question was advertised by the TMPD in 2024, seeking security companies to protect municipal infrastructure for a three-year period .
Further Implication of ActionSA MMC
Additional testimony revealed that Nkosi communicated with Kholofelo Vivian Morodi, ActionSA’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate and Shared Services in the City of Tshwane . Evidence presented showed Morodi sharing confidential tender-related documents with Nkosi, who explicitly confirmed Morodi was an ActionSA member . Communication also suggested Nkosi organised a birthday celebration for Morodi .
ActionSA Launches Investigation
ActionSA has responded swiftly to the allegations. National Chairperson Michael Beaumont issued a statement on Thursday confirming the party has initiated a full internal investigation .
“ActionSA regards any allegation of corruption or impropriety, even an untested one, with the utmost gravity and has accordingly initiated a full internal investigation to determine the veracity of the claims, including whether any ActionSA member was present at the alleged engagement and the identity of such individuals,” Beaumont said .
The party emphasized it would take the strongest action without hesitation if wrongdoing is uncovered . However, ActionSA also cautioned against drawing premature conclusions, suggesting the allegations may form part of a broader attempt to “discredit” Mnisi, particularly given they arise from a criminally implicated source .
“ActionSA will expedite this investigation and publicly report back in full on its findings to the South African people,” the party stated .
Political Reactions
Democratic Alliance caucus leader in Tshwane, Cilliers Brink, called for an independent probe, stating: “What is now clear is that the fight over Mnisi’s position has nothing to do with principle. It is about tenders and control of resources” .
Brink demanded that Mnisi be summoned to testify under oath and that the city council be formally notified of the allegations against him .
The ANC in Tshwane had previously called for a forensic investigation into Mnisi over allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement, with regional secretary George Matjila accusing Mnisi of misconduct and alleged tender manipulation, though no evidence was produced at the time .
Commission Proceedings
When Nkosi was asked to explain further regarding the messages, he claimed he was exhausted, and the commission adjourned proceedings . He resumed his testimony on Thursday, with further details expected to emerge .
No findings have yet been made by the commission regarding the allegations .
