CAPE TOWN — Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, has expressed his approval of a new collaborative effort between the City of Cape Town, Atterbury, Old Mutual, and other stakeholders aimed at combating the rising threat of the 'construction mafia' at development sites. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to safeguard infrastructure projects across South Africa from criminal interference.
According to South African Government News Agency, the collaboration between the public and private sectors is a critical step toward addressing the challenges posed by organized crime groups that have been disrupting construction sites. "From my very first day in office, I have been clear that the South African government would not be negotiating with criminals such as the construction mafia, but would rather work with all role-players to address this scourge in our communities to safeguard our infrastructure projects. I therefore welcome the joint effort by the private and public sectors in Cape Town and look forward to similar actions being replicated nationwide," the Minister said in a statement on Monday.
The growing menace of these groups, often involving extortion and violence at construction sites, has prompted calls for innovative and cooperative approaches to law enforcement and site security. "To eradicate the rise of lawlessness at construction sites across the country, it will require that we all work together, and make use of new and innovatory approaches to fight crime," Macpherson emphasized.
The Minister also highlighted the economic implications of such criminal activities, noting that a secure and lawful environment is essential for the construction sector to play a significant role in national economic growth. He plans to meet with the mayors of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, and eThekwini, Cyril Xaba, later this month to discuss strategies for national and local government collaboration against the construction mafia. These discussions follow a recent meeting with the City of Tshwane's Mayor.
Minister Macpherson is optimistic about the potential for similar partnerships nationwide and is committed to working with the South African Police Service and the South African Revenue Service to identify and bring these criminals to justice. "By working together, we will be able to turn the tide against the construction mafia in South Africa to ensure that they no longer operate with impunity. I look forward to working with the South African Police Service and the South African Revenue Service to further identify these criminals and expedite accountability," he stated.
The Minister concluded by underlining the importance of breaking the hold of the construction mafia to facilitate economic growth and job creation through nationwide construction efforts. "The private-public partnership announced in Cape Town will play a big role in achieving this goal and should be a model we look to replicate across the country. Let us build South Africa," he affirmed.