Combatting construction mafia | KZN Public Works MEC wants to negotiate

DURBAN - The KwaZulu-Natal Public Works Department insists it will negotiate with business forums that are blocking construction sites in the province.

MEC Sipho Nkosi says they haven't identified the members of the so-called construction mafia but confirmed that over R3-billion has been lost due to stoppages.

Nkosi visited a school that's been blocked from construction work over seven times by forums that are demanding 30 percent of the profits.

READ: Criminals have infiltrated the construction sector: analyst

When asked about acting against these forums and opening criminal cases, the MEC says he would rather negotiate.
"As soon as I have found out who they are and having spoken to them, because I come from a very strong union background and negotiations are key," Nkosi said.

READ: Construction mafia extortion impact business sentiment

"It is guaranteed by the Constitution but if these negotiations don’t end and there are no solutions, we have a responsibility as the state to bring in law enforcement agencies.

"I don’t think we are there yet because we haven’t met anybody, if the negotiations fail we will indicate that the state must get involved."

* eNCA’s Lethiwe Mdluli reports.