MINISTER DEAN MACPHERSON ANNOUNCES CABINET-APPROVED FRAMEWORK TO STRENGTHEN FIGHT AGAINST CONSTRUCTION MAFIA

Article and Picture Caroline Mokotedi

07 July 2026

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has welcomed Cabinet's approval of the Integrated Social Facilitation Framework (ISFF), a binding national policy instrument aimed at strengthening infrastructure delivery, promoting structured community participation and intensifying government's fight against the construction mafia.

Speaking during a media briefing held at the GCIS Imbizo Centre in Parliament, Cape Town, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson said the approval of the framework marks a significant milestone in government's efforts to safeguard infrastructure projects while ensuring communities benefit through lawful and transparent participation.

"The Integrated Social Facilitation Framework is the next phase in our fight against the construction mafia. It is the next phase in restoring law, order and confidence to construction sites," said Minister Macpherson.

During the briefing, Minister Macpherson also outlined the progress achieved since the signing of the Durban Declaration in November 2024, noting that more than 770 cases of construction-related extortion and intimidation have been reported nationally, resulting in 241 arrests and 176 convictions. He added that construction disruptions in KwaZulu-Natal have declined from more than 60 incidents per month to fewer than 10, demonstrating the impact of coordinated efforts between government, law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders. He emphasised that the framework supports legitimate local economic participation while reinforcing government's zero-tolerance approach to criminality.

Macpherson reaffirmed government's commitment to creating a construction environment that attracts investment, creates employment and delivers essential infrastructure without unlawful interference. “Public infrastructure belongs to the people of South Africa. It does not belong to extortionists or criminal syndicates. We are determined to protect infrastructure delivery, restore the rule of law and ensure that construction sites create jobs, grow the economy and serve communities.”