Taxi boss Joe "Ferrari" Sibanyoni has told the Madlanga Commission about his relationship with Gubis85 Solutions, a company that provided VIP protection services to him and his association. Sibanyoni stated that Gubis85 was paid R145,000 a month, including VAT, for its services. He claimed that this amount was commercially reasonable and proportionate to the security requirements of a senior industry leader operating in a high-risk environment. Sibanyoni has been the subject of credible threats to his personal safety within the taxi industry.
The arrangement between Sibanyoni and Gubis85 means payments of roughly R1.7 million over a year. Chairperson retired Deputy Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga questioned Sibanyoni about the large sum and the separate bakkie gift worth about R1 million. Sibanyoni explained that his longstanding personal relationship with the company's owner provided context for the gift. According to documents presented to the commission, Gubis85 issued sequential monthly tax invoices for its VIP protection services, starting from March 15 to March 31, 2024.
Sibanyoni maintained that the security arrangement was a legitimate commercial transaction rather than a mechanism for providing improper benefits. He stated that he had faced credible threats and that the protection was a direct response to the risks associated with his position in the taxi industry. The protection services were provided to the Pretoria Mabopane Pietersburg Taxi Association and related entities since March 2024. Sibanyoni's evidence seeks to frame both the payments and the substantial vehicle gift as legitimate and properly documented.
A March 1, 2025 letter from Gubis85 stated that the company had voluntarily decided to give Sibanyoni the vehicle as a birthday present, citing its longstanding relationship and goodwill with him and the Joe Sibanyoni Foundation. The letter stated that the gift was not consideration for a contract, favour, procurement opportunity or other commercial benefit. However, the broader Gubis85 relationship is under examination as the commission probes allegations surrounding security contracts and payments involving the company.
Gubis85 has been accused of benefiting from irregular tender payments and a multimillion-rand City of Tshwane security contract allegedly awarded without proper authorisation, evaluation or oversight. The commission's scrutiny therefore extends beyond the stated value of the protection services to the circumstances surrounding the business relationship, payments and the substantial vehicle gift. Sibanyoni's testimony is part of the commission's investigation into the allegations.
The Madlanga Commission is examining the evidence and circumstances surrounding the relationship between Sibanyoni and Gubis85. The commission aims to determine whether the payments and gifts were legitimate and properly documented. Sibanyoni's testimony provides insight into the relationship between the taxi boss and the security company.
The investigation into Gubis85's dealings with the taxi industry is ongoing. The commission will continue to scrutinise the evidence and hear from other witnesses. The outcome of the investigation is yet to be determined.
Key points
- Taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni paid R145,000 monthly for VIP protection services from Gubis85 Solutions.
- Sibanyoni received a R1m bakkie as a gift from Gubis85, which he claims was a voluntary gesture.
- The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of irregular tender payments and unauthorised security contracts involving Gubis85.
