South Africa’s new Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, has highlighted the threat posed by powerful “construction mafias,” which are deterring investors and stalling crucial infrastructure projects.
Tasked with implementing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s infrastructure-driven economic growth plan, Macpherson emphasized that these criminal gangs must be addressed to facilitate private sector investment.
Macpherson noted that these gangs, which began in KwaZulu-Natal and have spread nationwide, invade construction sites to demand money or stakes in projects through violence and intimidation.
Their activities are supported by corrupt politicians, posing significant risks to ongoing and future projects.
To combat this issue, Macpherson plans to develop a national strategy with various state actors and mentioned that Ramaphosa has prioritized tackling these gangs.
Additionally, new funding models and public-private partnership reforms are being considered to attract more private investment.
