The International Chamber of Commerce of South Africa (ICCSA) has added its voice to the growing condemnation from the business community and other sectors of South African society to the anarchy that followed in the aftermath of Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment last week.
In a statement received this morning, the ICCSA expressed its dismay and concern at the events that have unfolded in South Africa - and more specifically KZN and Gauteng - over the last few days.
As the local body representing global business and chambers of commerce, the ICCSA said it felt compelled to convey the thoughts and concerns of its members.
While it acknowledges and supports repeated announcements by the South African government that it will take whatever steps are necessary to quell the unrest and to restore law and order (without the necessity of declaring a State of Emergency), it has expressed concern about the following:
- The widespread looting, wanton destruction of property and mindless criminality has not only affected large corporations, but small businesses as well (which provide the sole source of income for their owners).
- No announcements have been made by government to date as to how such businesses are to be supported and/or recompensed. It can be accepted that many such businesses do not have Sasria or other forms of insurance cover, and ICCSA calls upon the government to step in as a matter of urgency, with appropriate relief packages for such businesses that require same.
- The Port of Durban and the road and rail network do not only service Gauteng, but neighbouring states as well. It is thus imperative that the government puts in place all necessary measures to safeguard the continued flow of goods and services which utilise these facilities.
The ICCSA said it was also necessary to calm international markets and the international business community, to assure them of South Africa’s commitment to the restoration of law and order and to the resumption of its rightful place in the international trade arena.
