The City of Tshwane has placed MMC for Corporate and Shared Services Kholofelo Morodi on special leave following serious allegations of tender irregularities that emerged during testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, testifying at the commission, claimed that he received documents related to a land lease tender from Morodi. The allegations surfaced in connection with broader claims of tender manipulation involving the City of Tshwane.
Tshwane Executive Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya announced the suspension, stating that the decision aims to protect the integrity of the city’s institutions. A preliminary investigation is underway to determine if a prima facie case exists, with the measure emphasizing transparency and accountability while not implying guilt.
ActionSA, the party to which Morodi belongs, welcomed the mayor’s decisive action. ActionSA National Chairperson Michael Beaumont described the revelations as unwelcome but highlighted the party’s swift response. He noted that the mayor suspended Morodi immediately, an investigation was announced, and ActionSA’s provincial executive committee met to discuss suspending her as a party member pending further inquiry.
Beaumont emphasized that political parties cannot always know individuals’ intentions but must be judged by their response to wrongdoing. He asserted that ActionSA had acted more decisively than any other party would in similar circumstances, with the party committing to a thorough and quick investigation to ensure those in public office remain beyond reproach.
Addressing questions about Mayor Moya’s awareness of the matter, Beaumont expressed full confidence in her ethical leadership and track record, stating she responded in good faith and shared the party’s disappointment.
The interview also touched on past political dynamics, including former Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba’s tenure under the Democratic Alliance and criticisms from DA leader Helen Zille regarding coalitions. Beaumont dismissed attempts to link the current situation to those events as fiction, defending Mashaba’s anti-corruption record and clarifying that coalitions involve working across parties for service delivery without endorsing wrongdoing.
Beaumont reiterated ActionSA’s commitment to running toward accountability, stating that wrongdoing would be addressed regardless of political affiliation. He could not specify a timeline for resolution on Morodi’s fate but stressed the need for speed to minimize any cloud over city operations.
ActionSA also commended Mayor Moya for directing immediate engagement with the Madlanga Commission and ensuring cooperation to uphold institutional integrity. The developments underscore ongoing scrutiny of procurement processes in the City of Tshwane amid the commission’s proceedings.
