Pretoria – Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni has been pressed to explain what he meant when he told President Cyril Ramaphosa that he was prepared to “fight” for a 30% stake in Putco.
The exchange took place on Wednesday during Sibanyoni’s cross-examination at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria.
The commission played a video of Sibanyoni speaking to Ramaphosa and then mineral and petroleum resources minister Gwede Mantashe during a meeting with traditional leaders in Mpumalanga.
In the footage, Sibanyoni spoke about his efforts to secure a stake in Putco, saying the company had been operating in the area for decades.
“We are fighting for our own 30% within the Putco section. It is guaranteed that the 30% belongs to the people of KwaNdebele,” Sibanyoni told Ramaphosa.
He also told the President that he wanted help dealing with what he described as red tape.
“If they don’t follow that, we will fight for ourselves,” Sibanyoni said.
Evidence Leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson later questioned Sibanyoni about what he meant by “fight”.
“I’ve mentioned to Adv. Metthew Chaskalson that he’s bringing the Putco issue personally” Taxi Boss Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni
Chairperson Justice Madlanga tells Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni that he is imputing impropriety where none exists, adding that Chief Evidence Leader Adv… pic.twitter.com/qAIPFVj3mx
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) September 30, 2026
Sibanyoni said the dispute could involve engagement with Putco or taking the matter to court.
Chaskalson asked whether he had actually taken Putco to court over the 30% stake.
“Not yet,” Sibanyoni replied.
He was also asked whether Putco had ever given him or the organisations he represented 30% of its routes.
“They have never accepted,” Sibanyoni said.
The questioning focused on Sibanyoni’s relationship with Putco and his efforts to secure opportunities for people and businesses from KwaNdebele.
In the video, Sibanyoni told Ramaphosa that he and his associates were already engaging with Putco but were encountering what he called “red tape”.
“Please assist us. When you find someone wanting to interfere with the Putco business, you must know it is us. Don’t fight us, just support us,” he said.
Sibanyoni also raised mining opportunities in the area and told Ramaphosa that people from KwaNdebele would seek to participate in mining operations.
Joe Ferrari Sibanyoni once threatened President Cyril Ramaphosa & Gwede Mantashe. Sibanyoni said that if the government does not help them secure a 30% stake from Putco Bus Services, which has operated in KwaNdebele for over 60 years, they will be forced to fight on their own. pic.twitter.com/9ucVg7sRIi
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) September 29, 2026
“There are mines outside that we will go and visit them, don’t worry,” he said.
“When you see people on the mines from KwaNdebele you must know it’s us. Don’t fight us, just support us.”
He told Ramaphosa that mines had been operating in the area for more than 100 years while communities had not benefited sufficiently.
“What we need is you, President, to help us,” Sibanyoni said.
The Commission’s questioning comes as it examines Sibanyoni’s business interests, his relationships in the taxi industry and allegations of organised crime and extortion.
Sibanyoni has denied wrongdoing and has challenged several allegations made against him during the inquiry.
Sibanyoni is also facing a separate criminal case in which he and co-accused are accused of extortion involving more than R2.2 million. They have denied the allegations and remain presumed innocent.
His cross-examination at the Madlanga Commission is continuing.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
