Chikunga hits back at Sibanyoni’s Madlanga Commission claims

Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has strongly denied claims linking her to broader allegations raised by Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni during his testimony before the Madlanga Commission.

Chikunga issued a statement following Sibanyoni's testimony under oath on Friday, 28 August, saying it was necessary to place the facts on record because of the seriousness of the Commission's proceedings and the public interest surrounding the evidence.

The Minister said she met Sibanyoni only once during her tenure as Minister of Transport.

Chikunga said that the meeting was requested by Sibanyoni and dealt solely with an operational complaint regarding the non-operation of his taxis.

She said Sibanyoni was accompanied by the chief executive officer of one of the road entities during the engagement.

Chikunga maintained that there were no further meetings, telephone calls or other forms of communication between herself and Sibanyoni before or after that encounter.

She has also denied having any knowledge of claims raised during Sibanyoni's testimony, including allegations of divided loyalties within the Department of Transport and references to a private individual allegedly operating from a farm outside Pretoria.

“It is therefore categorically incorrect to attribute to Minister Chikunga any broader conversation or knowledge of matters that Mr Sibanyoni has subsequently raised in his testimony,” her office said.

The Minister said she had never discussed such allegations with Sibanyoni or any other person.

Chikunga said she respects the Madlanga Commission and its mandate to establish the truth, adding that testimony presented under oath carries significant public weight and should not create impressions unsupported by facts.

She insisted she had nothing to hide regarding her interaction with Sibanyoni and had chosen to publicly clarify the matter.

According to the Minister, the facts surrounding their interaction are straightforward: there was one meeting, it was requested by Sibanyoni and it focused exclusively on concerns surrounding the operation of his taxis.

Chikunga said she remains committed to the integrity of public institutions and to ensuring that the truth emerges through a fair, credible and evidence-based process.