Tengane Mining Directors Detail R2 Million Extortion Payments to Local Business Figures at Mpumalanga Inquiry
Tengane Mining paid R2 million in extortion money under duress to secure operations along the R573 Moloto Road construction project between 2021 and 2025, according to testimony delivered to the commission investigating corruption in Mpumalanga. Company director Bathabile Ntuli and fellow executive Tengane Ntuli detailed regular cash transfers demanded by local figures Joe Sibanyoni and Mfana Sindane, who allegedly threatened violence and business destruction for non-compliance.
Tengane Mining secured its aggregate stone supply contract directly from the South African National Roads Agency as a licensed permit holder under the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, bypassing local intermediaries.
Sibanyoni and Sindane Demand Monthly Extortion Payments
Tengane Ntuli stated in his affidavit that Sibanyoni and Sindane initially demanded a 60% to 40% split of his contract, arguing he was operating in their territory. When Tengane Ntuli rejected the split as fatal to his business, the demands shifted to fixed monthly extortion payments of R100,000, according to testimony heard by the commission.
Evidence presented via WhatsApp messages showed Sindane pressing Tengane Ntuli when payments fell short or stopped. One message read: “You will remember that we’ve been very lenient towards you regarding the deal that you have and our share in it. We had initially agreed on a 60/40 split between you and the President (Sibanyoni). This was later reviewed and reduced to a more manageable amount for you.” Tengane Ntuli deposited funds directly into the account of MJ & Son Transport, operated by Sibanyoni’s team.
Bathabile Ntuli confirmed in her affidavit that the R2 million in total payments occurred under extreme fear. “All the payments which were done to Mr Joe Sibanyoni and his team by Tengane Pty were made under duress as we were fearing for our lives, taking into account the bad operational history of Mr Joe Sibanyoni in Kwaggafontein,” she stated.
Joe Sibanyoni Denies Extortion Claims and Links Payments to Local Business Support
Sibanyoni rejected the allegations of criminal control and extortion during his appearance before the commission. He testified that the R100,000 monthly payments described by Tengane Mining as protection money constituted legitimate funding for “local business support” led by community figures Makhaya Msiza and Mvimba Masilela.
Sibanyoni distanced himself from threatening language found in the text messages but acknowledged receiving funds and routing a portion to Sindane. When questioned about a message referencing a “new sheriff in town,” Sibanyoni rejected that specific title while suggesting he should be called “the president.” WhatsApp logs additionally indicated the two men sought control over an alleged R500 million contract on the Moloto Road corridor.
Legal Fee Funding and Transport Disruptions Draw Commission Scrutiny
The commission cross-examined Sibanyoni regarding the financing of legal expenses for Calvin Gwabo Mahlangu, a man convicted of a taxi-related murder. Sibanyoni did not deny paying the legal fees, explaining he intervened solely after Mahlangu’s mother requested financial assistance, and denied directing any acts of violence.
Inquiries into the regional transport sector also addressed more than 350 incidents involving taxis blocking Putco buses and the burning of Putco vehicles. The disruptions allegedly pressured Putco toward a forced sale after disputes arose over relinquishing 30% of operating routes in Mpumalanga to local operators like GCBS and Sibanyoni. Sibanyoni characterized his involvement with Putco as commercial engagement rather than coercive interference.
Sindane Cites Spiritual Seclusion for Postponement
Mfana Sindane’s WhatsApp text messages were read into the record in his absence after he applied for a postponement. Sindane cited ill health and a period of spiritual seclusion, known as ukuthwasa, connected to his training to become a sangoma, with his appearance originally scheduled for 28 September.