MamKhize’s grand plan? Collaborate with ‘construction mafia’

By Celani Sikhakhane

Controversial KZN businesswoman Shauwn “MamKhize” Mkhize says the solution to the threat posed by the so-called “construction mafia” in the province is to bring them on board and work with them.

Her comments came after a group known as the “tender mafia” threatened violence over a R109 million construction project in Pietermaritzburg.

Mkhize said labelling “business forums” as “construction mafia” alienated those who needed to gain experience in the sector.

The owner of Royal AM football club said that instead of giving in to the ‘mafia’s’ demand for 30% of the profits, contractors should subcontract them 30% of the work.

“Although there are construction mafias, it is very important to work together. I have been in the industry for two decades with the construction mafia involved, but when I come, I sit down because it is a cry for help from them,” she said.

“Where are these people going to get experience if they don’t get a chance to work? So we, as the people who get the work, have to work with them and bring them on board. They’ve never given me any problems for bringing them on board.

“We should not see them as enemies. We should listen to them and hear them out, and meet each other halfway,” she said.

On Thursday, angry protesters told KZN Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Martinus Meyer that they had been left out of the tender process for the R109 million Pietermaritzburg project.

The tender concerns the construction of a new office for employees of the city’s Transport department.

Protesters from Imbali township, ward 27, alleged that someone identified as Mlungisi Mncwabe, who is said to have links to the “tender mafia”, threatened them over the tender and warned of possible violence.

The construction site of the Thembalethu Heritage Building in Pietermaritzburg was one of eight sites vandalised by protesters.

During his visit to the site, Meyer appealed for calm and promised to address the protesters’ concerns. He said disruptions were harming the community’s development and opportunities, which are important under the provincial unity government.

He added that better communication with local communities was needed before projects started so that they could be involved.

Pictured above: MamKhize speaks at the Women in Construction Summit at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and centre MEC Martinus Meyer visits the R109 million construction site in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday.

Source: Steve Bhengu/Public Works and Infrastructure