Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson has stated there are definite links between the activities of the so-called construction mafia and some political parties in South Africa, citing his observations during a recent court case involving an alleged member of these groups.

Macpherson Cites First-Hand Experience At Court Appearance

Speaking on 8 July 2026, Minister Macpherson explained that during a court appearance for an alleged construction mafia member, he witnessed large numbers of people in the shirts of a specific political party attempting to influence the bail proceedings. Macpherson said, “I attended a court case where an alleged construction mafia individual who had been arrested was supported by busloads – not minibuses – of people wearing the shirt of a particular political party and trying to pressure the court into giving the individual bail.”

He made these remarks as part of a broader warning about the influence organised crime groups can exert on both the legal process and the construction sector. Macpherson emphasised, “There are definitely links between the activities of the construction mafia and some political parties.”

Origins And Activities Of The Construction Mafia

The term ‘construction mafia’ refers to groups that began disrupting South African construction projects around 2015, demanding a stake or payment in the name of ‘radical economic transformation.’ According to academic and media reports, these syndicates operate under the guise of local business forums, using intimidation and extortion while sometimes presenting themselves as advocates for economic inclusion.

The Delangokubona Business Forum, which started in Durban around 2014/2015, is among the earliest groups associated with such activities. Observers have documented how these forums demand a percentage of contract values, halt construction work, and are increasingly linked to organised crime networks. Their rise has raised significant concerns about both the rule of law and political interference in South Africa’s infrastructure sector.

Macpherson said that investigations into these links are ongoing, with attention now focused on how political connections may be giving these groups undue protection or influence.

Authorities are expected to provide further information on both the court proceedings and the investigation into political affiliations in the coming weeks.