ActionSA condemns MEC for Public Works’ decision to enter into negotiations with notorious construction mafia

9 July 2023

ActionSA condemns the decision made by MEC for Public Works, Mr Sipho ’KK’ Nkosi, to enter into negotiations with the ‘construction mafia’, which has been terrorising and disrupting construction projects in parts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

It is a cause for grave concern that, instead of cracking down on these criminals who not only halt construction but also create fear and uncertainty amongst potential investors, the KZN government is beginning to recognise such groups as a structure in our community that needs to be negotiated with as a legitimate entity.

While we encourage the government’s commitment to working with formal business forums, and for there to be government intervention where there is a need for local empowerment, especially amongst groups who were previously disadvantaged, we vehemently reject the notion of meeting with criminals and seeking to reach an agreement that favours the in any way.

In a recent interview, Minister of Public Works, Sihle Zikalala, said his department is cracking down on these syndicates and that there have been over 200 arrests countrywide. Furthermore, he said that his office would be collaborating with the police in order to deal with this economic sabotage.

The ‘construction mafia’ has been holding service delivery to ransom in KZN and other parts of the country for far too long and it cannot continue unabated. It certainly should not be encouraged as the MEC is doing.

ActionSA, as a party committed to the rule of law, we will monitor the MEC’s actions to ensure that he does not wilfully make the KZN Government complicit in this criminality by doing any business with these construction mafias.

Issued by Zwakele Mncwango, ActionSA KZN Provincial Chairperson, 9 July 2023