Mashatile tells MPs govt is 'forcefully' dealing with construction mafia
Mashatile was the latest cabinet member this week to address the growing problem when he was answering questions on a range of issues in the National Assembly on Thursday.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile answered questions in the National Assembly on 5 September 2024. Picture: @PresidencyZA/X
CAPE TOWN - Deputy President Paul Mashatile has warned that the growth of the economy through infrastructure will be nothing but a pipe dream if the construction mafia is not dealt with.
He said the problem has become so serious that it’s affecting economic growth in the country, forcing some contractors to abandon construction sites due to threats and extortion.
Mashatile was the latest cabinet member this week to address the growing problem when he was answering questions on a range of issues in the National Assembly on Thursday.
Mashatile joined Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and acting Minister in the Presidency Maropene Ramokgopa in addressing the urgent need to address growing extortion.
READ: 'We are on their heels': Mchunu says police closing in on extortionists
He said the Government of National Unity (GNU)'s main priority is to grow the economy through infrastructure development, but this won’t be fulfilled if extortion in the construction sector is not eradicated.
"We must protect the companies that are working there so that they don’t leave the site. This thing that we will drive economic growth through infrastructure will become a pipedream," he said.
But he assured Members of Parliament (MPs) that the matter was receiving special attention.
"So be assured we are dealing with this matter and we are dealing with it forcefully," Mashatile added.
Mashatile also said more resources would be pumped into crime intelligence to address rising crime levels with a particular focus on extortion.