Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi says they are working around the clock to protect construction companies from violent construction mafias.

Kubayi was speaking at the 17th South African Construction Awards ceremony at Emperor’s Palace at Kempton Park in Johannesburg. She says the awards commemorate 30 years of partnership between government and the construction industry.

“When you are engaged in an enterprise that sometimes it is difficult to tell whether you are making a positive impact and you are still walking the right path, you and others, every once in a while, require a pat on the back, and a voice that says, ‘you are doing a wonderful job’. I say this in recognition that we came out of COVID-19 where a sector had come to a standstill. Many businesses did not survive. They actually collapsed. Many of you today stood the test of time and you are here to tell the story,” she says.

Kubayi says they will ensure that invoices are paid within a set time frame to all contractors.

“I understand how important a payment of an invoice it is to a SMME. Without them receiving their money, it means they are not able to fulfil their obligations on the next project. That is why we consistently, as the department, and as I committed, that we will ensure that people are paid and we monitor it,” she says.

ANC condemns construction mafia