11 December 2024 – The South African Cabinet has endorsed a bold new approach to eliminating criminal activities on construction sites with the introduction of the Durban Declaration at the inaugural National Construction Summit on Crime-Free Construction Sites held on 19 November 2024. This declaration outlines a series of powerful initiatives aimed at transforming South Africa’s construction industry.

Driving Positive Change in the Construction Sector

The Durban Declaration is set to:

• Reduce project delays and cost overruns caused by criminal interference.
• Rebuild investor confidence in South Africa’s infrastructure sector.
• Create thousands of jobs through uninterrupted project delivery and the expansion of local enterprises.
• Stimulate economic growth by ensuring smooth project execution.

Key Initiatives Outlined in the Durban Declaration

1. Strengthening Legislation Governing the Construction Industry

   • Enhancing laws to deter and penalise unlawful activities.
   • Introducing policies to incentivise adherence to safety and labour standards.

2. Promoting Sustainable Industry Growth

   • Encouraging sustainable practices to ensure long-term resilience and competitiveness.

3. Enhancing Data and Reporting Mechanisms

   • Deploying advanced data systems to monitor project performance and improve transparency.
   • Establishing a national reporting mechanism to track site-related crime.

4. Accelerating Arrests and Prosecutions

   • Fast-tracking investigations, arrests, and prosecutions for site extortion and violence.
   • Collaborating with law enforcement to enhance on-site security and dismantle criminal syndicates.

Collaboration and Empowerment

The declaration emphasises the importance of empowering emerging enterprises, supporting skills development, and fostering collaboration across the sector. Stakeholders, including contractors, labour unions, and community leaders, are called upon to support its implementation. Collaborative platforms and working groups will ensure diverse input, shared best practices, and accelerated sector transformation.

Industry Leaders Speak

Bongani Dladla, CEO of the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb), stated:
"The Durban Declaration is a bold and decisive step toward building a safer, more efficient, and more inclusive construction industry. With these initiatives, we are not just addressing current challenges. We are creating a foundation for sustainable growth, job creation, and the successful delivery of infrastructure that will benefit all South Africans."

A Unified Approach to Progress

This declaration reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to completing infrastructure projects on time and within budget, fostering economic growth and job creation. It signals the resolve of government and industry leaders to reclaim the construction sector from criminal elements, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of South Africa’s economic and social development.

Press Release Submitted By

Contact Person: Sophie Mabela, Communications Specialist
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 060 540 9334 | 012 482 7244

Total Words: 389

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Cabinet Endorses Bold Measures for a Crime-Free Construction Sector

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