Blame us: Sibanyoni’s Putco warning to Ramaphosa comes back to haunt him

Taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni faced questions at the Madlanga commission on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, over his warning to President Cyril Ramaphosa that local operators would fight for themselves if they were not given a stake in bus service Putco’s routes in Mpumalanga.

Sibanyoni continued his testimony at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, where he was questioned about his dealings with Putco and allegations of interference with the bus company’s operations.

The businessman, who stands accused of running an extortion racket, was also pressed to explain remarks he made during a meeting with traditional leaders in January 2024, when he addressed Ramaphosa and Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe.

Chaskalson questioned Sibanyoni about his warning to Ramaphosa that local operators would interfere with Putco’s business if their demand were not addressed. Sibanyoni sought to explain that he had been referring to engagements with the company rather than any disruption of its operations.

The evidence leader rejected that interpretation, highlighting the distinction between negotiating with a business and interfering with its activities. But Sibanyoni maintained that he had not intended the word “interference” to carry a negative meaning, arguing that he had already been engaging with Putco at the time.