Contractors across KwaZulu-Natal are growing increasingly frustrated with the Department of Public Works, demanding immediate resolution of outstanding payments for completed projects. The contractors claim they are owed millions of rand, with no solution in sight despite raising the issue repeatedly since last year. As a result, they are planning a protest outside the Public Works office in KZN on Monday, hoping to draw attention to their plight. “We’ve been waiting for months, and we still have no answers. The department promised payments by mid-December, but many of us were left without funds over Christmas, facing financial pressure from all sides,” said contractor Lungi Zuma, who claims to be owed over R2 million.
In response to these concerns, KwaZulu-Natal Public Works MEC Martin Meyer acknowledged the frustrations but stressed that the department was actively addressing the matter at a cabinet level. “In December, we paid more than R500 million to contractors and reduced the outstanding debt from R900 million to R200 million,” Meyer said. However, he added that the department doesn’t have control over the budget and is dependent on payments from client departments like education and others, which has delayed some disbursements. “We are addressing this at the highest level with cabinet to find a lasting solution,” he assured.
Meyer, who has made combating corruption a key priority since taking office, also pointed to efforts to tackle mismanagement within the department. Recently, several officials, including the former director of the Supply Chain Management unit, were implicated in corruption, negligence, and misconduct that allegedly cost the department over R1 billion. Criminal charges are being pursued against those involved, and Meyer has emphasized that those found guilty will be barred from rejoining government roles in the future.
While contractors have welcomed the anti-corruption drive, they argue that it does little to address their immediate financial challenges. “It’s encouraging that they’re finally taking action against corrupt officials. We’ve been speaking out about this for years,” Zuma said. “But what we need right now is payment for work already completed. Arresting officials doesn’t put money in our pockets.”
The contractors express frustration over what they see as a blame game. They are told that Public Works is waiting for payments from other government departments—like the Department of Education—but they question why they should bear the brunt of this delay. “We tender for these jobs with Public Works, and they are supposed to manage the contracts. So why are we being told it’s not their responsibility to pay us? If they can’t pay, then why issue tenders in the first place?” Zuma continued.
For many contractors, the growing debt is taking a significant toll. With commitments to pay workers and creditors, the lack of timely payment from Public Works is causing severe financial strain. The ongoing delays are not only affecting their businesses but also their personal lives, with many contractors finding themselves in debt and struggling to keep operations afloat.
While the department works to address systemic corruption and improve its payment processes, it’s clear that contractors in KwaZulu-Natal are looking for a faster and more direct solution to their payment woes. For them, the real challenge is not just the fight against corruption, but ensuring they are paid for the work they have already done.
