Public Works ropes in KZN traditional leaders to crack down on construction mafias

The Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure has roped in traditional leaders in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to help fight construction mafias.

Minister Dean Macpherson and KZN MEC for the department, Martin Meyer, met King Misuzulu in Nongoma on Monday.

They discussed new projects underway, including the renovation of the old Ulundi KZN Legislature.

The department and traditional leaders committed to working together for the improvement of infrastructure in the province.

After their appointment in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure last year, both Macpherson and Meyer committed to ending construction mafias.

The gangs have been accused of delaying government projects, demanding a share from contractors.

In some instances, it’s resulted in violence or death.

During the meeting, both Macpherson and Meyer asked the Zulu king and traditional leaders to help clamp down on the syndicates.

“We’ve requested for his majesty’s assistance through the social facilitation framework which we will be launching, which is a fight back tool against the construction mafia. His majesty was animated by that new policy that we are taking to Cabinet.”

The king hailed the department for its efforts and committed to support it.

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