Association of SA Quantity Surveyors concerned about mafia and gang-related activities in the construction industry

SAfm — The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) says its concerned about the spread of mafia and gang-related activities in the construction industry. ASAQS says a major intervention is needed to protect infrastructure projects, investor confidence, and the safety of professionals in the built environment who are working on project sites. According to ASAQS, construction projects worth more than R25.5 billion were being violently disrupted and halted by these gangs. The Delangokubona Business Forum and the Federation for Radical Economic Transformation, both KwaZulu-Natal-based groups are claiming to advocate for local business and community interests, have been repeatedly accused of sending armed men to demand a stake in the projects from professionals on construction sites. We spoke to the President of Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) Yunus Bayat, Chief Executive of SA Forum of Civil Engineering Contractors (Safcec) Webster Mfebe and Secretary General of the Radical Economic Transformation Robert Ndlela