Joe Sibanyoni Testifies at Madlanga Commission
- Taxi operator Joe Sibanyoni testified at the Madlanga Commission on September 30, 2026, regarding a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe.
- The hearing, reported by EWN and News24, examined Sibanyoni's efforts to enter the bus transport sector through subcontracts and ownership interests.
- Footage played during the commission showed Sibanyoni discussing how to secure a local interest in Putco's operations.
Taxi operator Joe Sibanyoni testified at the Madlanga Commission on September 30, 2026, regarding a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe. The proceedings focused on footage of Sibanyoni seeking a local stake in the operations of the bus company Putco and his denial that he intended to interfere with the company’s business.
The hearing, reported by EWN and News24, examined Sibanyoni’s efforts to enter the bus transport sector through subcontracts and ownership interests. While Sibanyoni characterized his discussions as professional engagement, evidence leaders presented data suggesting a pattern of systemic disruption against Putco services in Mpumalanga.
Sibanyoni’s Meeting with President Ramaphosa
Footage played during the commission showed Sibanyoni discussing how to secure a local interest in Putco’s operations. During the recorded exchange, Sibanyoni asked for assistance in entering the space and requested that those wanting to interfere with Putco business be removed.
Please assist us. When you find someone wanting to interfere with the Putco business, you must throw it, assist us. Don’t put the wrong thing. Assist us as, how do we get into this space?
Joe Sibanyoni
Sibanyoni told the commission he was seeking a subcontract for two separate entities, though he refused to name the second business. He denied telling the president that he would interfere in Putco’s operations, arguing that the act of engaging with a company is the same as interfering with it.
According to SABC News, Sibanyoni also claimed he had planned to purchase and donate 15 old PUTCO buses to the community before the buses were …
Putco Bus Disruptions in Mpumalanga
Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson presented a video to the commission showing taxi drivers blocking a Putco bus in Mpumalanga. Chaskalson cited data from Putco indicating that more than 350 incidents occurred between October 2024 and January 2025, where buses were forced to turn around because taxis blocked their path.
When asked if he was aware of the scale of these disruptions, Sibanyoni replied that he was not. He denied that his association was responsible for the incidents, a claim that evidence leaders intend to challenge as the hearings proceed.
Additional Allegations Against Sibanyoni
The cross-examination of Sibanyoni has extended beyond his dealings with Putco. EWN reports that on September 29, 2026, Sibanyoni was questioned regarding the payment of legal fees for a convicted hitman.
Other testimony at the Madlanga Commission has linked Sibanyoni to further financial and legal controversies. IOL reported on September 21, 2026, that Sibanyoni provided explanations regarding a Gubis85 deal involving a R1 million bakkie gift and monthly protection payments of R145,000.
News24 also reported on September 28, 2026, that Sibanyoni and another taxi boss, Oupa Sindane, were accused of hiring a specific lawyer to represent taxi hitmen. Sibanyoni has also called for Sindane to answer for alleged extortion threats during the commission’s proceedings.