LETTER: Indaba needed to tackle SA's ‘construction mafia’
Most of these ‘mafia’ business forums represent legitimate companies that want to participate in construction projects within their communities
The construction industry in SA needs to reach a multi-stakeholder consensus on how to work together with the local business forums that are often called the “construction mafia” “Mafia-style BEE ‘tenderpreneurs’ killing business with economic terrorism”,( April 24). The majority of these business forums represent legitimate companies that want to participate in construction projects within their communities. To dismiss legitimate efforts of communities to lift themselves out of poverty as “mafia” is dangerous in a country with one of the highest levels of unemployment in the world. Unsustainable levels of inequality pose a threat to the entire industry. There are indeed criminal elements who infiltrate communities and use mafia-like tactics, and this requires urgent intervention from the authorities. However, the South African construction industry and its fragmented leadership structures must come together with these local business forum representatives, client departments, labo...
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.