In an effort to expedite infrastructure development, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has on Wednesday vowed that his government will not tolerate the construction mafia syndrome and clarified that his government will however assist it to grow.
He delivered his maiden State of The Province Address (Sopa) at the KZN Legislature in Pietermaritzburg which was graced by the presence of the Zulu King MisuZulu kaZwelithini amongst other dignitaries.
Currently South Africa’s construction industry, traditionally a key driver of economic growth and development, has been grappling with a significant challenge as the criminal elements, known as the construction mafias terrorise, intimidate, assault, and in some cases, even kill employees or managers on site.
These illicit networks initially surfaced in KwaZulu-Natal about a decade ago.
According to the South African Police Services (SAPS), construction mafias employ a range of tactics, including threatening projects with violence and heavy weaponry, demanding a share without genuine interest in the job itself.
The National Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson has recently expressed concern about the construction mafia in KwaZulu-Natal as the KZN MEC for Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, found a bullet cartridge near his car allegedly from the construction mafia.
The Premier explained that his government of provincial unity has resolved to reconfigure the Department of Public Works into The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in an effort to expedite infrastructure development, ensure efficient use of internal resources, and achieve the broader economic growth and development goals set for the province.
“As part of this reconfiguration, we are are repositioning the Department [of Public Works and Infrastructure] os the implementor of choice for all infrastructure projects within provincial government departments. I wish to invite the construction industry to contribute positively in the projects done in our province, ” said the Premier.
He urged his government of provincial unity to work with him in fighting the ‘construction mafia syndrome’.
“The is no place for the construction mafia in our province, ” stressed Ntuli.