KuGompo (East London) – Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala has called for strict compliance with the rule that contractors must be paid within 30 days, while warning against corruption in the construction sector.
Speaking at the Contractor Development Roadshow in KuGompo (East London), hosted by the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb), Zikalala said delayed payments were hurting contractor sustainability, especially for emerging businesses.
He raised concerns about corrupt practices, including cases where contractors are asked to pay bribes to secure or speed up payments.
“Let us fight bribery and corruption. Contractors must report any officials who demand or expect inducements to process payments or perform their duties,” Zikalala urged.
The Deputy Minister stressed that corruption undermines honest businesses and erodes public trust.
He insisted that the government must honour the 30-day payment period, saying, “The construction sector is too important to fail. Timely payment is critical to ensuring business continuity, job creation, and sector growth.”
Zikalala also warned against unethical conduct such as fronting, price-fixing, and collusion, calling for both public and private sectors to uphold integrity.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said infrastructure delivery must drive inclusive economic growth, and protecting contractors from financial strain and corruption is key to achieving this.
The Contractor Development Roadshow was part of the government’s broader effort to empower contractors, expand opportunities, and strengthen the sector’s capacity to deliver sustainable infrastructure.
