ASAQS Urges Action Against Construction Mafia's Reign of Terror

The construction mafia has cost South Africa R68 billion, forcing businesses to factor in crime risks. ASAQS calls for collaboration with SAPS to combat this threat.

• The construction mafia's entrenched presence in South Africa has forced legitimate businesses to factor organised crime risks into project contracts, harming operations.
• ASAQS estimates the construction mafia has cost the economy R68 billion over the past decade, complicating risk management and damaging professional reputations.
• ASAQS calls for a collaborative platform with SAPS to encourage whistleblowing and share insights, aiming to combat the climate of fear in the industry

Combating the Construction Mafia: A Call to Action for South Africa

The construction mafia has become deeply entrenched in South Africa, leading to the normalisation of organised crime risks in project contracts. The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) is urging collaborative action between built environment professional associations and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to address these criminal extortion rings and restore the rule of law in the construction industry.

According to ASAQS President Mosha Senyolo, despite efforts from the government and industry stakeholders, the situation remains dire. Many legitimate businesses are now forced to scale back operations or cut jobs due to the financial pressures stemming from extortion and intimidation. This not only contributes to rising unemployment, especially in areas reliant on construction and infrastructure development, but also erodes community trust and safety. The climate of fear created by construction mafias has led to increased opportunistic criminal behaviour.

The financial toll of the construction mafia is significant, with estimates suggesting a loss of around R68 billion to South Africa's economy over the past decade. Quantity surveyors are particularly impacted, as they must incorporate potential extortion payments and heightened security costs into their budgets. Intimidation and disruptions also lead to project delays, complicating the work for both contractors and quantity surveyors, who must manage complexities while maintaining their professional reputations.

Strengthening Integrity: Addressing the Construction Mafia's Impact

The need for contractors to account for organized crime risks in project contracts complicates risk management strategies and inflates costs. Additionally, quantity surveyors face ethical dilemmas when dealing with clients or contractors who may be coerced, undermining the integrity of their profession and straining relationships within the industry.

To combat the influence of the construction mafia, ASAQS advocates for the creation of a collaborative platform with SAPS, allowing industry professionals to report corruption and share insights in a safe environment. This initiative aims to facilitate open communication and support among those affected by organized crime. ASAQS leadership is also considering direct engagement with SAPS's special unit dedicated to this issue.

Regular meetings and information-sharing sessions with local communities during project planning phases are expected to encourage the reporting of suspicious activities without fear of retribution. By fostering closer collaboration and sharing insights, ASAQS and SAPS can join forces to effectively combat the construction mafia and restore integrity to the construction sector.