Cops hit construction mafias! | Daily Sun

Deputy Minister of Public and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, has applauded cops for their renewed efforts and energy in dealing with the scourge of extortion across the country.

THE DEPUTY Minister of Public and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, has applauded the police for their renewed efforts and energy in dealing with the scourge of extortions across the country.

Zikalala was speaking at the annual conference of the Master Builders South Africa in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape on Friday, 6 September.

He said many people thought the government was bluffing when it indicated that the full might of the state would be unleashed on thugs.

He said the government is battling extortions in all its forms, including takeovers of construction sites and protection payments, by working together.

Zikalala said: “While supporting economic transformation, fighting the exploitation that characterises subcontracting, and eliminating late payments, we must equally be steadfast that we cannot allow an important sector like construction to be captured by dangerous criminals who do not hesitate to take lives to get what they want.”

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According to him, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will keep collaborating with relevant parties to facilitate community engagement and avoid disturbances at construction sites.

He has urged all those involved to stand with law enforcement and safeguard anyone who comes forward with information.

He has also praised President Cyril Ramaphosa for signing the Public Procurement Act (PPA) into law, saying that it will enable the department to guarantee that companies owned by women, young people, and individuals with disabilities are involved in the department’s building projects.

“National Treasury is now engaging relevant stakeholders to initiate the process of developing the regulations that will enable government to initiate the implementation of the PPA,” he said.