Violence and Disputes Stall Mapulaneng Hospital Project

 Contractors working on the New Mapulaneng Hospital project in Bushbuckridge are raising alarm over escalating intimidation, theft, and site hijackings that have disrupted progress and compromised the quality of work.

Subcontractors claim a notorious local subcontractor and his associates are using threats and violence to seize control of the site, forcing others to surrender work or abandon projects. “They take plants and machines and demand payment to return them. This is like site hijack,” an anonymous whistleblower wrote.

Despite several police cases being opened, contractors say little action has been taken. They warn that the project, currently in phase three, is now in the hands of “mafia and criminals,” endangering its completion and purpose of serving the community.

Disputes between local community zones have added fuel to the fire. The Midlands Zone claims it has received fewer benefits compared to other zones and has demanded the exclusion of the North and South Zones from the project. Tensions have resulted in multiple work stoppages, hijacked equipment, and threats to staff.

Efforts at mediation have yielded only temporary relief, with repeated disruptions halting construction. “If this continues, the entire project could collapse,” said Papi Wessie, director of Nala Consulting. Contractors are now pleading for urgent intervention from the provincial government, SAPS, and even President Cyril Ramaphosa to restore order and ensure the hospital’s completion.