ISMAIL LAGARDIEN: Rolling back organised crime requires scrutiny of private-public sector relationships
In almost all cases of corruption there is a giver and a taker of bribes or questionable tenders
The Financial Mail’s report on the possible “end of SA’s construction industry” is the latest in a long running story of organised crime in the country (“Abandoned: Is it the end of SA’s construction industry? (https://www.businesslive.co.za/fm/features/cover-story/2022-11-03-abandoned-is-it-the-end-of-sas-construction-industry/)”, November 3). The reports should deepen our understanding of the way organised crime, “the construction mafia” and “mafia-type crimes” affect societies in transition, and the challenges they pose for policymaking. Allow me some reflection.
I have had an active interest in organised crime, mainly in southern Italy, for about three decades, to the extent that in 2007 and 2008 I prescribed Roberto Saviano’s book, Gomorrah: A Personal Journey into the Violent International Empire of Naples’ Organised Crime System, for my political economy students in the US...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.