Government finally responds after DA pressure; key projects remain incomplete despite billions spent

After years of pressure from the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT) has finally announced a national summit aimed at tackling the province’s notorious construction mafia. The syndicates have been blamed for massive delays in crucial infrastructure projects, costing taxpayers billions.

During a Progress Performance Report presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Public Works on 26 June 2025, the department confirmed that several key intervention strategies would be rolled out in the 2025/2026 financial year to dismantle the criminal networks disrupting development.

These strategies include:

• Deployment of SAPS in areas frequently targeted by construction mafias
• Strengthening social facilitation and encouraging greater community cooperation
• Participating in a national dialogue with Minister Dean Macpherson to address the issue
• Urging lawmakers and councillors to discourage community interference and extortion

The DA welcomed the announcement, noting that the interventions are long overdue. “For years, the DA has called for decisive action. The continued extortion and disruption have paralysed service delivery and wasted public funds,” said Teboho Sekaledi: MPL – DA Spokesperson on Public Works, Roads and Transport: Mpumalanga Province.

Key Projects Brought to a Standstill

The DA also listed several high-profile infrastructure projects that have been severely impacted:

🔹 Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM):
Despite over R2 billion spent, the market remains non-operational due to repeated disruptions.

🔹 High-Altitude Training Centre:
Initially set for launch in 2012/2013, over R300 million has been spent on planning, but nothing stands on the site today.

🔹 Mpumalanga Parliamentary Village:
Launched in 2017 with a 2020 deadline, the project has faced repeated delays. It was expected to reduce accommodation costs for MPs.

🔹 Mkhondo Boarding School:
Started in 2018 as an 18-month build, the project is still unfinished due to multiple disruptions.

🔹 Middelburg Hospital:
Begun in 2017 at an estimated cost of R1.4 billion, the hospital was due for completion in 2020. Progress has stalled.

Costs Continue to Climb

DPWRT confirmed an additional R115 million has been allocated to these projects, but the DA warns this figure may still fall short due to ongoing interference. “These delays not only rob residents of essential services but also open the door to unchecked corruption and inflated budgets that benefit a select few,” the DA said.

The Department now faces increasing pressure to demonstrate that the latest interventions will succeed where past efforts have failed.