By Marcus Moloko
Who is Gallito EFF or Siyabulela Sibande? And what, if any, is his role in the EFF?
The ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into police criminality and political interference has brought renewed attention to an interesting name known as “Galito EFF” or Siyabulela Sibande, whose name surfaced during testimony about EFF‑related activities.
Advocate Matthew Chaskalson pressed witness Sergeant Fannie Nkosi on whether Sibande was indeed the man referred to as “Galito EFF,” a purported spokesperson or runner linked to the party.
Against this interesting backdrop, businessman and politician Kenny Kunene has reignited debate with explosive allegations tying Sibande to the EFF and its leader, Julius Malema.
Kunene, who has long had a combative relationship with Malema, used a recent interview to paint a picture of deep connections between Malema and powerful taxi boss Mswazi.
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Jothan Zanemvula Msibi, popularly known as “Mswazi,” was a wealthy and influential Pretoria taxi mogul who emerged as a central figure in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry following his death in January 2024.
Kunene claimed Malema relied on the late Mswazi for protection and resources.
“A man that he gave money to. A man that he bought expensive Macallan whiskey for. A man that it is alleged he bought eight bakkies for the EFF and Julius leading up to the elections of 2024. A man that, when somebody wanted to kill Julius, he would run to the farm and this man would make calls and Julius would be safe,” claims Kunene.
Kunene went further, alleging that Galito Sibande was initially a runner for Mswazi, treated “like a son,” and later adopted by Malema after Mswazi’s death and the arrest of another associate, “Molefe”.
“Galito Sibande was a runner of Mswazi. Mswazi adopted him like his son… Molefe and Mswazi paid for Galito’s rental and bought him an Isuzu. When Mswazi dies and Molefe is arrested, Julius thinks he is finished. He adopts Galito. He makes him his right‑hand man. He goes with him everywhere, allegedly pays his salary and livelihood.”
Kunene accused Malema of hypocrisy and alleged that Malema now labeled Mswazi and his circle “criminals,” despite once depending on them.
“He says Mswazi was involved in assassinations. How do you say that about a person who protected you? This is a man that shows no honor,” Kunene argued.
The allegations Kunene now raised link Malema to Mswazi and to Sibande, and add fuel to a narrative of political figures entangled with underworld networks.
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While the Commission has yet to establish Sibande’s formal role within the EFF, Kunene’s claims paint the blurred lines between political influence, protection networks, and grassroot mobilization.
As the Commission continues, the question remains: who exactly is Galito, and how deep do his ties to the EFF and Malema run?
