Featured Post

OPINION: Built Environment Professionals' participation in upcoming national elections is vital

Posted by on
Mlondi Cele, a Built Environment Professional, emphasizes the significance of the upcoming national elections for the construction and built sectors. He encourages stakeholders to actively participate and articulate their expectations to influence economic policies and attract investments. Cele believes that the involvement of industry professionals and stakeholders in the elections can positively impact the industry's future and create favorable outcomes for all. The South African elections are of paramount importance to the construction and built sectors, as they have the potential to significantly influence their future trajectories. Economic, policy, and regulatory changes stemming from the elections can either catalyze growth or present novel challenges. Consequently, it is a pivotal juncture for stakeholders in these industries to actively participate in the electoral process and advocate for their interests. The construction and built environment industry plays a central rol
0

OPINION: There is more to the 'construction mafia' than meets the eye

Posted by on

Construction Professional Prince Lufu believes that we need to look beyond the footsoldiers to find the real instigators behind the 'construction mafia'. 


I believe the reason why the activities of the “construction mafia” have been successful is because this is such a well oiled machine operating from the top downwards we need to look beyond the foot soldiers to find the real instigators of this phenomenon. We need to look at respective Government employees who head the respective department as they hold the power to stop these activities but they are not using it because this is how they get their kickbacks. Politicians are not innocent either.

ALSO READ: Addressing the Project Management Skills Deficit within the Construction Industry


I am told the latest trend is to look out for chaps who are tenderpreneurs and own farms. They then launder money through farming. Two former employers of mine who are on the “gravy train” in their respective regions are into farming.... Food for thought

I am contemplating emigrating, this land is too much of a mess and things have deteriorated too far down to be rescued now.

This Hardhat Opinion was written by Prince Lufu a Senior Construction Professional 

Do you have an opinion on this or other industry related issues? Send us your Hardhat Opinion here

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 6, 2022 at 10:02 AM

    I concur, but i also do believe that the construction mafia problem goes beyond just tracking down the real king pins, it also requires us as a country to review our gun control laws. Our country is crime ridden with citizens and organized crime having easy access to guns. We face a real threat of our officers being out gunned by citizens and that is a recipe for absolute anarchy and a failed state. It is thus imperative that we as country set up a task force or have this declared as organized crime and with that provide necessary resources to address this scourge. In my opinion these criminals tactics amount to economic sabotage if not terrorism and if we do not decisively deal with it , we are on a one way track to being a failed state

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousSeptember 6, 2022 at 7:06 PM

      The challenge is also made worse by community based mafias in which alot of projects are built.

      They will insist you use specific services from them in order to strong arm money from you.
      Security, water, aggregates are amongst some of the soft services they will demand.


      As well no protocol as in channelling via PSCs or SGBs or any rules followed. You are inundated daily with demands and meetings and are never able to do your work as you will be classed as arrogant and not listening to their demands

      Delete

Post a Comment