By Noko Mashilo
Malusi Zondi, president of the Black Business Federation (BBF), says the BBF represents black businesses committed to radical economic transformation in KwaZulu-Natal. “We stand against those who disrupt construction sites and advocate for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) working as subcontractors, particularly on government projects,” Zondi stated.
Speaking to Vutivi News, he said that many SMMEs struggled to turn a profit due to the low margins offered for subcontracting. “Winning a bid often means offering the lowest price, but that doesn’t always reflect the true value of the work. We step in to ensure fair compensation and empower SMMEs,” Zondi emphasised. He also raised concerns about delays in payments to SMMEs, which often had to wait months to be paid. “These delays occur in both government departments and the private sector. We advocate for SMMEs to ensure they receive prompt payments and fair treatment. Without timely payments, there can be no growth for these businesses,” he warned.
He added that competition was inevitable, and the BBF’s role was to ensure a fair rotation of opportunities. “We monitor participation levels and encourage those who have grown to step aside and make space for others. This is what we call empowerment. The government operates under policies designed to empower people through transformation,” Zondi explained.
Through its outreach programmes, the BBF engages with society and the government to foster open dialogue. “Last week, we had a productive meeting with KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, and highlighted the issue of construction mafias,” Zondi said. He condemned the term “construction mafias”, which he believed was coined by companies conducting research. “We are not mafias. Perhaps it’s because we are involved in policies that drive economic transformation. Nothing about us without us,” Zondi said.
