Kholofelo Morodi, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate and Shared Services in Tshwane, was mentioned at the Madlanga Commission.
Image: Supplied/ City of Tshwane
The City of Tshwane has placed MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Kholofelo Morodi, on special leave following allegations raised during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya announced the decision on Thursday, describing it as a necessary step to safeguard institutional integrity 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 had been placed on special leave with immediate effect pending a preliminary investigation to determine whether a prima facie case exists.
In the interim, MMC Hannes Coetzee will assume responsibility for the Corporate and Shared Services portfolio.
Moya said the move was aimed at ensuring continuity in service delivery while preventing any perception of interference in the investigative process.
“This step is intended to ensure continuity in the functioning of the Corporate and Shared Services portfolio, and to allow the investigative process to proceed without any perception of interference,” she said.
The mayor is also expected to formally request information from the commission to support the city’s internal process. She will write to the commission’s secretary, Nolitha Vukuza, seeking access to relevant evidence.
“This will enable the City to assess the matters raised in a considered, lawful, and procedurally fair manner,” Moya said.
On Thursday, WhatsApp chats between Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, a Gauteng Organised Crime Unit officer and City of Tshwane chief financial officer (CFO) Gareth Mnisi suggested some members of ActionSA and EFF were involved in the alleged manipulation of a security tender at the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD).
The commission heard testimony that some ActionSA members were involved in discussions about a security tender at the TMPD and that former TMPD deputy chief Umashi Dlamini Nkosi allegedly compiled a list of seven preferred companies, reportedly received from the EFF.
Evidence from WhatsApp chats showed Nkosi approached Mnisi with the list of companies and that EFF leader Julius Malema referred to as CIC Juju in the chats, is expected to confirm the companies' involvement.
The commission also flagged a WhatsApp chat between Nkosi and ActionSA MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Kholofelo Morodi, dated December 2, 2024. In it, Nkosi shared an address in Theresa Park with Morodi, claiming he wanted Morodi to address young women at the orphanage centre.
Morodi afterwards thanked Nkosi for making her birthday special.
Their chats were followed by a message from Morodi sending Nkosi a document on the land leases tender.
Nkosi said both he and Morodi had previously discussed the land the city would lease. He said Morodi told him the tender was already on a public platform.
"By the time she sent me this the tender bid was already closed," Nkosi said.
She stressed that the decision does not imply guilt.
“This measure does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing, nor does it imply any presumption of guilt,” she said.
The decision has been welcomed by ActionSA, the party to which Morodi belongs.
ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont said the party supports the mayor’s action and has launched its own internal investigation.
“We fully support Dr Moya’s efforts to ensure that the highest standards of integrity are upheld… with all allegations fully scrutinised,” Beaumont said.
He added that the party would adopt a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct.
“ActionSA will never sweep allegations aside. We will always act immediately to establish the full truth and mete out accountability where warranted,” he said.
The party also welcomed the city’s intention to engage directly with the commission.
“ActionSA commends Dr Moya for directing immediate engagement with the Madlanga Commission and ensuring cooperation so that the integrity of the City’s institutions is upheld,” Beaumont said.
The development places renewed focus on governance standards within the Tshwane administration, as the city moves to balance accountability with procedural fairness.
Moya said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses, reaffirming her administration’s commitment to clean governance.
“The Executive Mayor remains committed to upholding clean governance and will continue to act in a manner that protects both the integrity of the institution and the rights of those involved,” she said.
karabo.ngoepe@inl.co.za