KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer has issued a warning to so-called ‘construction mafia’ members following the disruption of a R109 million Department of Transport construction site in Pietermaritzburg.
During a media briefing on Thursday, Meyer said the incident occurred on Wednesday when a group demanding jobs and subcontracts stormed the construction site, along with seven other government projects in Ward 27.
Meyer condemned the actions, stating that violent demands for work would not be tolerated and that he would not negotiate with those intimidating staff. He encouraged individuals with genuine business concerns to approach the department peacefully.
The disrupted site is a heritage building over 100 years old, previously a girls’ boarding school and later a music school, now under the Department of Transport. Meyer explained that specialized skills are required due to the site’s heritage status, which may limit the involvement of local companies.
Ward 27 councillor Daniel Kemp denied allegations of favoritism, noting that consultation was carried out and that three of the five subcontracted companies were women-owned. He suggested the disruptions were politically motivated and that some participants came from outside the ward.
The group, led by Siphakamiso Nzimande, claimed that businesses awarded contracts were from Mbali township, outside Ward 27, and requested an investigation into the subcontracting process. Meyer accepted a memorandum from the group, promising a response within seven days.
Disruptions by violent forums demanding a 30% share of government construction projects have been occurring since 2014, despite government crackdowns and the establishment of a special police task team.
In his recent budget speech, Meyer announced several new projects, emphasizing his commitment to developing KwaZulu-Natal’s infrastructure.
