The growing threat of construction mafias and extortionists continues to derail critical infrastructure projects in South Africa, with the latest casualty being the R550 million rehabilitation of Johannesburg’s Golden Highway. The project has been halted due to alleged intimidation, extortion, and violent assaults linked to criminal groups operating under the guise of “business forums.”
Violence and Extortion Disrupt Key Project
Court documents reveal shocking details of the threats faced by contractors working on the Golden Highway. Employees from construction company Lone Rock reported being shot at, pistol-whipped, and repeatedly blocked from accessing the site between March and April. Affidavits also allege the involvement of local taxi associations and a ward councillor, Sitiso Zungu, who has a history of extortion accusations.
Zungu, previously accused of similar crimes during a Lanseria housing development, spent two months in jail for violating a protection order. Despite this, he remains in a position of influence, with reports suggesting he instructed police to leave the construction site.
Government Response Under Scrutiny
Last year, the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development presented a comprehensive plan to Parliament’s National Council of Provinces to tackle construction mafia activities. However, the ongoing violence on the Golden Highway project has raised questions about the effectiveness of these measures.
Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development, Jacob Mamabolo, acknowledged the severity of the issue but insisted that law enforcement is making progress.
“We are seeing a gradual decline in the number of projects affected by these syndicates,” Mamabolo said. “Government is working across all spheres—national, provincial, and municipal—to combat this criminality. While cases like the Golden Highway are concerning, we are confident that the law will prevail.”
A Wider Crisis for Infrastructure Development
The construction mafia phenomenon has become a national crisis, delaying or abandoning projects worth billions. These criminal groups, often posing as business forums, demand a share of contracts through violent intimidation.
Mamabolo admitted that poor financial performance in infrastructure projects exacerbates the problem, putting delivery at further risk. Despite increased government funding—highlighted at last week’s Infrastructure Symposium in Cape Town—security remains a major hurdle.
Calls for Stronger Action
Critics argue that the government’s response has been inadequate, with syndicates operating with near impunity. The alleged involvement of local officials and taxi associations points to a deeper, more organized criminal network.
“How can someone with a history of extortion be a ward councillor?” questioned the interviewer during the discussion with Mamabolo. “These people are known, yet they continue to operate unchecked.”
The MEC maintained that law enforcement will ultimately bring perpetrators to justice but conceded that the process may take time.
What’s Next?
With the Golden Highway project stalled and workers under threat, pressure is mounting for decisive action. The government’s ability to secure construction sites and prosecute those responsible will be crucial in restoring confidence and ensuring vital infrastructure projects proceed.
For now, the people of Gauteng are left waiting—both for safer roads and for justice against the criminal elements holding their province’s development hostage.