Over the past five years, more than 180 infrastructure projects in South Africa, valued at approximately R63 billion, have been disrupted by criminal syndicates, known as construction mafias. These groups use intimidation, extortion, and violence to demand a share of contracts, affecting projects such as roads, bridges, schools, clinics, housing, and water infrastructure. ActionSA has warned that these syndicates are determining who builds and benefits from projects, leaving communities without basic services and young people without employment opportunities. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure DPWI has intensified its response since the Durban Declaration in November 2024, reporting over 770 cases of extortion and intimidation, leading to 241 arrests and 176 convictions. DPWI spokesperson Lennox Mabaso noted a decline in site disruptions in KwaZulu-Natal, historically an epicenter for such activities, from over 60 incidents monthly to fewer than 10. The department is adapting its strategy to counter evolving criminal tactics, including developing a social facilitation framework for improved stakeholder engagement and implementing procurement reforms like real-time tender monitoring and a national blacklisting database to combat fraud and procurement abuse.
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South Africa's construction mafia networks are reportedly moving from overt intimidation to more sophisticated forms of economic coercion, integrated into legitimate business processes. A case in Gauteng highlighted this trend, where a contractor, Kabelo, allegedly lost control of a R12.8 million wastewater infrastructure subcontract after refusing demands from local business interests. Kabelo's company, which employed 19 people, secured an excavation subcontract on a major wastewater project in Ekurhuleni. Problems arose when representatives of a local business structure demanded that two nominated companies receive 40% of the subcontract's value, despite not participating in the procurement process. After Kabelo refused, his trucks faced repeated access restrictions, leading to delays. Further pressure to channel labor and equipment through selected companies was also rejected. The situation escalated with damage to a truck and threats to his foreman. Although criminal complaints were filed, direct evidence linking threats to the companies was not found. Eventually, Kabelo's role was reduced, and a newly registered company took over part of the work. Investigations allegedly uncovered links between supposedly independent suppliers, revealing shared contact details and services. By the time the network was removed, Kabelo had retrenched seven workers, and the project was completed nine months late with significant financial losses. Criminologist Prof Kholofelo Rakubu noted t
EFF leader Julius Malema has urged National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa鈥檚 attempt to set aside the Section 89 Independent Panel report. Malema wrote to Didiza, stating that a failure to act would undermine Parliament's authority. Didiza previously announced she would not oppose Ramaphosa鈥檚 interdict, a decision criticized by opposition parties. This followed the impeachment committee's resolution to oppose Ramaphosa's application, advised by an independent legal expert. Malema argued that Didiza is conflicted, having voted against the continuation of the impeachment process, and that her unilateral decision raises concerns about her willingness to defend institutional authority. He emphasized the urgency and the constitutional integrity of Parliament, stating it is not a mere administrative matter. Malema warned that the EFF would seek legal relief if Didiza did not respond within 48 hours. Ramaphosa, however, defended Didiza's stance, asserting she is acting independently and constitutionally. The National Assembly recently adopted amended rules for the 31-member impeachment committee investigating allegations against Ramaphosa concerning the 2020 theft of foreign currency from his Phala Phala game farm. Ramaphosa has approached the Western Cape High Court for an urgent interdict to halt the impeachment inquiry until his review application against the Section 89 Independent Panel report is finalized.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa IEC reported a significant increase in youth voter registrations, with 80% of the 477,174 new voters aged between 16 and 29. This surge is attributed to the IEC's youth engagement campaigns and digital registration platforms. However, political analysts like Goodenough Mashego and Sandile Swana express skepticism about whether this rise in registrations will translate into a high voter turnout during the upcoming local government elections. Mashego suggests that election days, often public holidays, lead young people to prioritize social activities over voting. Swana believes that while digital access boosts registration, digital voting might be necessary to further increase youth participation. Analysts also note that young voters may gravitate towards newer political parties that address their concerns, such as unemployment, rather than traditional major parties. Mashego highlighted the disconnect between traditional party candidates and the aspirations of young people, emphasizing that no current party effectively speaks to the youth's issues, particularly at the local level where unemployment is a key concern.