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INSIGHT: South Africa’s big mafia problem is getting worse

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In the vibrant heart of Cape Town, a menacing shadow economy looms over various enterprises, including spaza shops, bustling nightclubs, construction projects, and transportation companies. Within this clandestine realm, individuals and businesses alike find themselves facing exorbitant demands for money, services, and goods that exceed legitimate channels. According to a study by Jenni Irish-Qhobosheane for the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC)the rise of extortion in Cape Town can be attributed to both local and national factors, with a significant influence stemming from the city's long-standing history of gangsterism. The COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 significantly curtailed extortion revenue for criminal organizations, as business closures and curfews disrupted their operations. However, as restrictions were gradually lifted, extortion activities exhibited a marked increase in both aggressiveness and frequency due to the following key factors: The co
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NEWS: Why do we strive for modern infrastructure yet we struggle with basic issues like leaky pipes?

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Fixing pipe leaks does not require complex solutions like rocket science, satellites, or artificial intelligence. Instead, the solution involves digging holes in the ground and repairing the pipes effectively as part of a meticulously planned and adequately funded program managed by skilled engineers.


This hardhatNEWS article describes the alarming state of water loss in South Africa, with nearly half of the country's purified water supply lost to leaks, theft, or non-payment. Durban, Johannesburg, and other major cities are experiencing the highest losses, exceeding 40% in some cases. 

The government's response has been to plan the construction of new dams, such as the Polihali Dam in Lesotho, while municipalities are increasing utility bills to compensate for lost revenue. However, experts argue that fixing leaking pipes and infrastructure is a more cost-effective and sustainable solution. The article also highlights the risks associated with intermittent water supply, such as damage to infrastructure and public health hazards. The solution, according to water engineers, lies in proper pipe maintenance and reducing pressure levels in tap water pipelines to ensure a continuous supply.

Why is it that we have built some of the most complex infrastructure projects yet we seem to be struggling with the no to so complex leaky pipes?

The full hardhatNEWS article can be read on the Daily Maverick

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