Officials Commented on the Matter.
In Pietermaritzburg, the Department of Public Works and the Construction Industry Development Board organized a workshop to unite workers, small businesses, and industry stakeholders.
The event coincided with the government’s intensified campaign against construction mafias and underperforming contractors. Participants gathered to discuss the creation of safe and dignified jobs that not only support families but also enable sustainable futures.
An infrastructure building program is at the core of the government’s strategy to foster economic growth and employment. Efforts to combat construction mafias, long considered a significant barrier to development, have been ongoing. Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson noted that two years prior, there were nearly 60 stoppages a month in KwaZulu-Natal due to the construction mafia.
Today, this number has dropped to fewer than 10. Macpherson credited the joint efforts with the national treasury and the South African Police Service (SAPS) for this progress, with 170 people convicted for construction stoppage-related offenses and over 250 arrested. These initiatives have resulted in significant outcomes, with over 240 convictions and more than 850 arrests related to construction extortion by early 2026.
The government encourages affected parties to seek legal remedies, gather evidence, and utilize reporting hotlines. Industry experts advise that crime and corruption in the construction sector are substantial barriers to job-rich growth, suggesting a need for comprehensive reform.
The Construction Roadshow is a significant step towards this goal, emphasizing the need for sustained effort and collaboration from all stakeholders. With the government’s commitment and industry support, there is hope that the construction sector can be transformed into a catalyst for economic growth and social development.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: Siya Tsewu
