By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
City of Tshwane MMC Kholofelo Morodi has been placed on special leave after being implicated at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Morodi, who heads Corporate and Shared Services in the city, is accused of sharing sensitive internal procurement information.
Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya confirmed that Morodi had been placed on special leave with immediate effect pending a preliminary investigation.
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.
Moya 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.
Evidence led before the Commission shows the current witness Sgt Fannie Nkosi 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 shared documents related to land lease tenders.
Nkosi told the commission he does not recall the reason the documents were shared with him.
Meanwhile, ActionSA spokesperson Matthew George said they welcome the suspension.
He confirmed that the matter is being treated with urgency and that a comprehensive internal investigation is already underway.
“We note with serious concern the allegations arising from the Madlanga Commission, including claims of a WhatsApp exchange involving a clearly implicated Sergeant Fannie Nkosi and the CFO of the City of Tshwane, as well as allegations that individuals believed to be representing ActionSA may have participated in discussions relating to tenders,” said George.