Public Works Minister Macpherson lists meeting construction mafia as one of his priorities

JOHANNESBURG - Newly appointed Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson has listed meeting the construction mafia head-on as one of his priorities as he takes office.

Extortion groups have been known to hold projects and contractors hostage, causing major delays in the construction space.

The construction mafia are among the syndicates being investigated by the Special Investigating Unit.

Macpherson said this needs a zero-tolerance approach.

“We’ve got to be able to meet them head-on. I’m not looking to do so in a violent or confrontational way, but they need to know that we are drawing a line in the sand.

“There is no room for negotiation. If a project is going to proceed it must proceed, but we also need the partnership of the SAPS [South African Police Service]. They need to do their job in maintaining law and order.”