Joe Sibanyoni allegedly threatens Cyril Ramaphosa and Gwede Mantashe over a 30% Putco stake

A resurfaced video involving businessman and taxi industry figure Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni has sparked renewed attention after he was seen addressing President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe over a demand for a 30% stake in Putco Bus Services.

In the clip, Sibanyoni appears to raise concerns about what he describes as “red tape” surrounding the matter and calls on the government to assist them. He is also heard saying that if they were not helped, they would “fight for ourselves”.

The resurfacing of the footage has prompted claims on social media that Sibanyoni was issuing a warning to Ramaphosa and Mantashe. However, that interpretation remains an allegation made in connection with the post sharing the video and has not been established as Sibanyoni’s intention.

What is confirmed is that Sibanyoni did raise the issue of a 30% stake in Putco directly with Ramaphosa and asked the president to intervene over the obstacles they were facing. The available clip, however, does not provide an explanation of what Sibanyoni meant by “fight for ourselves”.

It remains unclear whether he was referring to legal action, protests, further negotiations or another form of response. The date and location of the original recording have also not been established in the information surrounding the resurfaced clip.

The video has attracted divided reactions, with some viewers interpreting Sibanyoni’s language as threatening, while others believe the statement has been taken out of context and that he was simply appealing for government assistance.

The development comes as Sibanyoni appears before the Madlanga Commission, where his involvement in the Putco matter has come under scrutiny. Sibanyoni has denied wrongdoing and maintained that his involvement related to accountability and the implementation of remedial action concerning the bus company’s contract.

It remains to be seen whether the commission will examine the resurfaced recording or ask Sibanyoni to clarify his “fight for ourselves” remark. Until then, the characterization of the statement as a threat remains an interpretation rather than an established fact.

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