Tshepo Molekoa, the former personal chef and right-hand man of the late taxi industry figure Jotham “Mswazi” Msibi, has offered to testify before the Madlanga Commission. He made the offer after filing a sworn affidavit that details alleged Malema Msibi visits to the heavily secured Uvivi Lodge farm compound in the Dinokeng Game Reserve, Hammanskraal.

The claims surfaced in papers filed at the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg. They form part of the defence in EFF leader Julius Malema’s urgent R1 million defamation lawsuit against Patriotic Alliance deputy president Kenny Kunene.

Allegations Detail Multiple Malema Msibi Visits

Molekoa states in his affidavit that he personally witnessed Malema visit Uvivi Lodge on at least seven occasions starting in April 2023. He says some visits occurred around 2am. On one occasion Malema allegedly arrived carrying a black Louis Vuitton bag that contained approximately R80 000 in cash and a bottle of Macallan whisky. Molekoa claims Msibi instructed him to open the bag and count the money.

An anonymous witness, referred to as Witness A, supports key elements of the account. Witness A says he observed Malema at the lodge on at least five occasions, mostly after midnight. The witness distinguishes daytime visits linked to routine taxi business from late-night ones that he describes as more secretive.

Claims Surface in Defamation Lawsuit

Malema launched the high court application after Kunene’s comments on the Podcast and Chill with MacG on 19 February 2026. Kunene claimed Malema was at the “command or service” of Msibi and would drive to the farm at midnight or 2am when called. He also referred to Malema as “a boy”. Malema argues the remarks are defamatory and imply criminal conduct.

Kunene refuses to apologise. In his answering affidavit he attaches Molekoa’s statement and Witness A’s evidence. He argues the statements are substantially true and in the public interest, and he wants the dispute tested through oral evidence in open court.

Msibi’s Chef Offers Testimony at Madlanga Commission

Molekoa has now indicated through his attorney that he is prepared to give evidence under oath before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. The commission, chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, continues to hear testimony about alleged organised crime networks in the minibus taxi industry.

Jotham “Mswazi” Msibi died in January 2024. Earlier witnesses at the commission have named him as a central figure in the so-called “Big 5” cartel, also referred to as “The Firm”. Malema has previously acknowledged knowing Msibi as a friend and spoke at his funeral, but he denies any late-night visits, cash deliveries or improper relationship.

Reactions from Political Parties

The EFF has dismissed the allegations as baseless. Malema maintains he did not engage in any criminal or dishonest conduct. Kunene states he looks forward to his day in court and will present his evidence. Newsroom attempted to obtain fresh comment from Malema’s legal team but had not received a response at the time of publication.

Social media reactions remain sharply divided. Some users question the evidence and ask whether gifts between friends constitute wrongdoing, while others express concern about witness safety and call for full investigation.