Dean Macpherson said the Ray Nkonyeni local municipality had failed dismally to manage the leases to the properties, putting the livelihoods of business owners in jeopardy

The department is also cracking down on officials accused of demanding bribes before making payments, MEC Martin Meyer said

The provincial administration plans to use government-owned buildings to cut down on expenditure

State intelligence and enforcement abilities, as well as the legislation, need to be bolstered to deter the construction mafia

The minister says if state properties bring in funds, it will give the department more money to maintain and build schools, hospitals and other infrastructure

The minster said these groups take money and never do any work

The new DA MEC Martin Meyer said government would work with legitimate business forums, not violent groups pretending to be forums