No official implicated at Madlanga Commission will be shielded, warns Moya
Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya has warned that there would be no protection for any municipal official implicated at the Madlanga Commission.
This follows allegations of possible tender irregularities involving the city’s MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Kholofelo Morodi.
Morodi, who is also an ActionSA councillor, has since been placed on special leave.
Evidence before the commission indicates she may have influenced tender processes after sharing documents with Gauteng Organised Crime Unit member, Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, who was seeking to secure a tender for his brother.
No holy cows
Moya says the commission is critical in helping the country turn a corner, and that the city takes its work seriously.
“The residents of Tshwane have already suffered enough, we cannot add to that. We will act, and we will provide answers.
“No one should be surprised by what is emerging from the Madlanga Commission. The commission exists to help the country turn a corner, and we do not take its work lightly.
“There are no holy cows. Even if my name were to be mentioned, no one should shield me.
"The response should be: let us get to the bottom of the allegations. Some of these are still allegations and must be tested, but no leader should be above scrutiny.”
She added: “We rely on this commission to uncover the truth, so that the country can move forward. This is not about individuals, it is about addressing wrongdoing that may have taken place over many years, and responding to it without fear or favour.”
City acts to protect integrity
Moya says the decision to place Morodi on special leave was taken to safeguard the integrity of the institution while allowing due process to unfold.
“The city regards matters of this nature with the utmost seriousness, as they speak to the principles of transparency, accountability, and ethical governance expected of all public office bearers,” Moya said.
She confirmed that Morodi has been placed on special leave with immediate effect, pending a preliminary investigation to determine whether a prima facie case exists.
“This step is intended to ensure continuity in the functioning of the portfolio and to allow the investigative process to proceed without any perception of interference,” she added.
MMC Hannes Coetzee has been appointed to act in the Corporate and Shared Services portfolio.
Moya also indicated that she will formally write to the secretary of the commission, Dr Nolitha Vukuza, requesting access to information related to the allegations.
WhatsApp messages at centre of allegations
The commission has been presented with WhatsApp messages showing Nkosi in communication with senior City of Tshwane officials regarding municipal tenders.
Evidence led before the commission shows Nkosi was attempting to secure a waste management tender for a company linked to his brother Bheki.
At the same time, he was also communicating with Morodi, who allegedly shared documents related to land lease tenders.
Nkosi told the commission he does not recall the reason the documents were shared with him.
ActionSA launches internal probe
ActionSA has also announced an internal investigation into the allegations.
Party spokesperson Matthew George said the party views the claims in a serious light and will act decisively if any wrongdoing is found.
“ActionSA regards any allegation of corruption or impropriety, even an untested one, with the utmost gravity,” George said.
He added that the party will determine whether any of its members were involved in discussions relating to tenders in the City of Tshwane.
“Should the investigation reveal any involvement by ActionSA members, the strongest action will be taken without hesitation or delay.”
However, the party cautioned against drawing conclusions prematurely, noting that the allegations remain untested and arise from testimony involving Nkosi.
No finding of wrongdoing
The City of Tshwane has emphasised that placing Morodi on special leave does not amount to a finding of wrongdoing.
“This measure does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing, nor does it imply any presumption of guilt,” Moya said.
She reiterated the city’s commitment to clean governance and said further updates would be provided as processes unfold.
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