MPUMALANGA — The controversy surrounding the R100 million road project in Mpumalanga has intensified as Public Works MEC Thulasizwe Thomo and local residents clash over the alleged influence of a construction mafia. While the MEC maintains that the government will not yield to extortionists, community representatives argue that officials are deliberately downplaying documented evidence of a cartel disrupting the infrastructure development.
MEC Thulasizwe Thomo recently stated that the provincial government refuses to negotiate with individuals he described as “construction mafias” fighting for control of the lucrative project. Responding to allegations from residents that he was turning a blind eye to the syndicate, Thomo denied the claims. He warned the community against being manipulated by groups seeking a financial stake in the project. According to the MEC, the conflict involves two rival factions led by two “ring leaders” who masquerade as businesspeople. He claimed these individuals are funded by external, hidden benefactors aiming to enrich themselves rather than serve the community’s interests.
However, Exodus Mabanne, spokesperson for the Mashishing Community Development and Concerned Mashishing Residents, strongly pushed back against the MEC’s narrative. Mabanne dismissed the claim that there are two competing community groups, asserting instead that there is only one legitimate community group and one “mafia cartel.” He accused the MEC of deliberately misleading the public and engaging in character assassination.
Mabanne argued that the MEC is fully aware of the cartel’s existence, citing a paper trail of formal communications. He noted that the first letter alerting the MEC to the mafia cartel was submitted on June 25, 2025, followed by another from the local business fraternity on July 30, 2025.
“The MEC is aware that there is a mafia cartel in our midst,” Mabanne stated. He added that the national Minister of Mineral Resources and the President have previously acknowledged the siege of construction mafias in certain provinces, making the MEC’s public denial highly questionable.
The community had previously submitted a formal petition to the MEC’s office raising several critical issues. These included questioning the conflict of interest regarding the project’s social facilitator and highlighting irregularities in project appointments. Instead of a substantive response to the petition, Mabanne said the community received a court notice requiring them to appear before the High Court on September 29.
A major point of contention between the two parties is the establishment of a neutral site. During a previous public address, the MEC claimed that funds had been paid for site establishment. Mabanne contradicted this, stating that as of this week, there is no physical site establishment. He pointed out that the only visible activity consists of advertisements for Requests for Quotations (RFQs) for site security, portable toilets, and worker transport, indicating that the physical site has not yet been established.
The MEC’s office has yet to publicly respond to Mabanne’s latest claims, leaving the future of the R100 million project and the resolution of the community dispute uncertain.
