MamKhize’s grand plan? To work with ‘construction mafia’

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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 collaborate with them.

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

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

The Royal AM football club owner said instead of submitting to the “mafia’s” demand for 30% of the profits, contractors should sub-contract them to do 30% of the work.

“As much as there are construction mafias, it’s very important to collaborate. I’ve been in the industry for two decades with the construction mafia involved, but when I come, I sit down because it’s a cry for help from them,” she said. 

“Where are these people going to get experience if they’re not being given an opportunity for them to work? So we, as people that get the work, we need to collaborate with them, bring them on board. They’ve never given me problems because I’ve brought them on board. 

“We mustn’t look at them as enemies. We must listen to them and hear them out, and we meet each other halfway,” she said. 

On Thursday, angry protesters told the KZN MEC for public works and infrastructure, Martinus Meyer, that they were left out of the tender process for the R109-million Pietermaritzburg project.

The tender is for building a new office for transport department employees in the city. 

Protesters from Imbali township, ward 27, claimed that someone named Mlungisi Mncwabe, allegedly connected to the “tender mafia,” threatened them over the tender, warning of possible violence.

The Thembalethu Heritage Building site in Pietermaritzburg was one of eight sites disrupted by protesters. 

During his visit to the site, Meyer asked for calm and promised to address the protesters’ concerns. He said that disruptions harmed community development and opportunities, which are important under the government of provincial unity.

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

Pictured above: MamKhize addressing the Women in Construction Summit at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and, at centre, MEC Martinus Meyer visiting the R109-million building site in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday.

Source: Steve Bhengu/Public Works and Infrastructure