Mpumalanga seeks to protect its R4bn infrastructure projects from mafias

Premier Ndlovu says extortion is entrenched

- By Tshwarelo eseng Mogakane

The Mpumalanga government has launched a decisive crackdown on the construction mafia, moving to rescue public infrastructure projects worth over R4-billion that have been derailed by criminal interference and longstanding delays.

In a Progress Performance Report tabled before the provincial legislature on June 26, the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport detailed new strategies aimed at restoring order to infrastructure development.

These include deploying SAPS officers to high-risk construction sites, strengthening social facilitation efforts with local communities, and urging legislators to discourage project disruptions and contractor extortion.

“We are dealing with a deeply entrenched problem,” said George Mthethwa, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga government. “Construction mafias are a countrywide phenomenon. They threaten workers to stop unless they are paid 30%.

“Many projects have been interrupted. This is a source of the delays, not only at the Parliamentary Village.”