META

 

Taxi industry figure Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni has told the Madlanga Commission that Gubis85 Solutions received R145,000 per month, inclusive of VAT, for providing him with VIP protection services. He also confirmed that the company gave him a bakkie valued at approximately R1 million as a birthday gift. The disclosures have raised questions about Gubis85’s financial relationship with the taxi industry.

Sibanyoni appeared before the commission on Monday and explained that Gubis85 had been responsible for providing security services to the Pretoria Mabopane Pietersburg Taxi Association and associated organisations since March 2024.

He defended the monthly payment, saying the R145,000 fee was reasonable and consistent with market rates. According to Sibanyoni, the amount was justified by the security risks associated with his position as a senior figure in the taxi industry, where violence and threats are a significant concern.

Sibanyoni told the commission that he had received credible threats against his personal safety. He therefore described the security arrangement with Gubis85 as a necessary response to those threats rather than an inappropriate financial benefit.

The arrangement amounted to approximately R1.7 million in payments over a 12-month period. This figure attracted the attention of commission chairperson, retired Deputy Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, who questioned Sibanyoni about the nature and value of the payments.

Madlanga also questioned Sibanyoni about the separate gift of the bakkie and its connection to his relationship with Gubis85. Sibanyoni explained that his longstanding personal relationship with the company’s owner helped explain why the vehicle had been given to him.

Documents presented to the commission showed that Gubis85 issued monthly tax invoices for the protection services. The first invoice covered the period from March 15 to March 31, 2024, with subsequent invoices continuing until July 2026. Payments were made by the taxi association into Gubis85’s ABSA bank account in accordance with the invoices.

Sibanyoni maintained that the security agreement was a legitimate commercial arrangement and was not intended to provide him with improper benefits. He reiterated that the protection services were linked to genuine security concerns arising from his role within the taxi industry.

The circumstances surrounding the bakkie were different. In a letter dated March 1, 2025, Gubis85 stated that it had voluntarily decided to give Sibanyoni the vehicle as a birthday present. The company cited its longstanding relationship with Sibanyoni and the Joe Sibanyoni Foundation as the basis for the gesture.

The letter further indicated that the vehicle was not given in exchange for a contract, favour, procurement opportunity or any other commercial advantage.

Despite these explanations, the wider relationship between Gubis85 and the taxi industry remains under scrutiny. The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations involving security contracts and payments linked to the company. Gubis85 has also been accused of receiving irregular tender payments and benefiting from a multimillion-rand City of Tshwane security contract that was allegedly awarded without appropriate authorisation, evaluation and oversight.

As a result, the commission is examining not only the value of the protection services but also the circumstances surrounding the payments, the business relationship between the parties and the substantial vehicle gift.

Sibanyoni’s evidence presents both the security payments and the vehicle as legitimate and properly documented transactions. The commission will consider the evidence and circumstances surrounding the relationship as part of its broader investigation.

IOL