While all upstanding South Africans are rightly incensed by the growing criminality that has seen armed gangs disrupt and even halt infrastructure projects, one person not at all fazed by the phenomenon is Shawn Mkhize, the Durban businesswoman famous for flaunting her wealth.
MaMkhize — as she is known — reportedly told a women’s conference in Durban that she did not mind working with the “so-called construction mafia”, because they were victims of the system.
“As much as there are construction mafias, it’s important to collaborate. I’ve been in the industry for two decades and am involved in the construction mafia. What I do is sit down with them because it’s a cry for help.”
That such “collaboration” usually results in inflation of prices to cater for “the 30%” — which sees public projects costs skyrocket by millions — seems of no importance to her. It’s not surprising though that this Mampara, who has had run-ins with the taxman, says this is the way to go.
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