PRETORIA, Friday 30 October 2026 — The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on Tshwane Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya to withdraw the city’s opposition to a court challenge involving chief financial officer Gareth Mnisi, following a South African Revenue Service (SARS) search operation at his office and residence.
The operation took place on Thursday, 29 October, with city officials confirming that Mnisi left Tshwane House accompanied by individuals wearing SARS apparel.
The development has renewed political scrutiny of the municipality’s handling of misconduct allegations against its senior financial official, less than a week before the 4 November local government elections.
SARS operation prompts fresh questions
Tshwane mayoral spokesperson Samkelo Mgobozi confirmed that SARS had previously informed the municipality of its intention to execute search warrants at Mnisi’s office and residence.
The city said it would cooperate with the relevant authorities but referred questions about the nature of the operation to SARS.
SARS declined to confirm or deny details of an investigation, citing taxpayer confidentiality provisions under the Tax Administration Act.
The operation follows earlier allegations involving Mnisi that emerged during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, including claims concerning the sharing of confidential municipal tender information.
Those allegations remain distinct from any findings that may arise from the SARS investigation.
DA demands change in city’s court position
DA Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink has called on Moya to abandon the city’s opposition to the party’s court application challenging how disciplinary allegations against Mnisi were handled.
The DA is seeking to overturn a council decision that classified the misconduct allegations as less serious.
Brink argues that the classification enabled Mnisi to return to work after receiving a final written warning, rather than facing a disciplinary process in which dismissal remained a possible outcome.
The DA has also questioned the use of municipal resources to oppose its application.
The court challenge remains unresolved, and the DA’s allegations about the municipality’s handling of the matter have not been established by a court judgment.
ActionSA disputes responsibility for Mnisi’s return
ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont welcomed the SARS operation but rejected suggestions that his party was responsible for Mnisi’s return to office.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Beaumont alleged that the African National Congress (ANC) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) had supported treating the misconduct allegations as less serious.
He also criticised the DA, alleging that 19 of its councillors were absent during a crucial council vote.
According to Beaumont, ActionSA supported treating the allegations as serious and opposed the process that ultimately allowed Mnisi to return.
These competing accounts reflect continuing disagreements among parties represented in Tshwane’s council over responsibility for the disciplinary outcome.
Disciplinary process remains contested
Mnisi was previously placed on precautionary suspension following allegations raised in connection with municipal procurement.
He returned to work in July after disciplinary proceedings resulted in a final written warning.
The DA’s legal challenge seeks to revisit the council decision underlying that outcome.
ActionSA has suggested that new evidence arising from the SARS process could provide grounds for fresh disciplinary proceedings, subject to the applicable legal requirements.
However, the SARS operation does not itself establish misconduct, criminal liability or grounds for dismissal.
Municipal accountability becomes election issue
The dispute comes as political parties seek control of Tshwane in next week’s municipal elections.
The municipality’s financial administration has become a point of contention between the DA, ActionSA and other parties represented in council.
The outcome of the pending court challenge could determine whether the earlier disciplinary decision remains in place.
Separately, any further action arising from the SARS operation will depend on the revenue service’s findings and the municipality’s obligations under applicable legislation.
The city’s political leadership and senior administration will face continued scrutiny as the election approaches.
