Please note that SACCI will release the following economic / business indicators in May 2013.

• April 2013 Business Confidence Index – 9 May 2013
• April 2013 Trade Conditions Survey – 15 May 2013

SACCI COPPER THEFT BAROMETER:MARCH 2013

The Copper Theft Barometer decreased to a level of R10 million in March from R11.2 million in February 2013. The downward momentum seen in 2012 continues into 2013 with some occasional, minor increases along the way. The average monthly figure for the Barometer in 2012 was $19.8 million, so there were exceptional, albeit gradual, improvements in the Barometer over the past year. The Copper Theft Volume Indicator fell to a level of 142 metric tons in March after reading 153 tons in February.

SACCI CALLS ON TEACHERS TO RETURN TO THE CLASSROOMS

QUOTE:

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) commends the Department of Education (DOE) on its strict warning to teachers not participate in a march . The current SADTU dissatisfaction with the Ministry should be resolved through negotiation. So there is no need to disrupt education en masse.  It is worth noting that a “march” or strike has exactly the same impact on pupils, if teachers are not in classrooms then the education system falls apart. The go-slow that has been in effect since the Easter holidays is also unacceptable, unconstructive and may even be more harmful to learners than an absent teacher for which the DOE can at least have a contingency plan in place.

SACCI COMMENT ON LICENSING OF BUSINESSES BILL

QUOTE:

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) is concerned by the DTIs Licensing of Businesses Bill as its current wording will impair economic activity, especially within the Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) sector. SACCI submitted a detailed mandated comment and extends an invitation to the Minister to discuss the issues of concern. Although the Bill officially seeks promote the right to freedom of trade and the sustainability of businesses, the additional layer of registration bureaucracy and the host of interventionist measures will hurt business confidence and job creation potential in the most vulnerable segment of the business community.