SACCI SUPPORTS A JUDICIAL COMMISSION INVESTIGATION INTO THE MARIKANE INCIDENT

In a statement issued today the CEO of SACCI, Mr Neren Rau, said:

QUOTE:

SACCI supports the appointment of a Judicial Commission to investigate the Marikane incident.  When a nation experiences a tragedy of this magnitude, this is the type of response that is required from strong political leadership:  a response that is immediate, empowered and transparent. 

 Although the news of the event has adversely affected perceptions of the South African labour market, the President’s response will do much to mitigate the perception “fallout” from the event.  In organising protest action, clearly leaders are not being responsible or accountable for ensuring that discipline, the absence of weapons and violence is not an outcome, with the consequence that families lose parents and breadwinners.

SACCI CALLS ON URGENT RESOLUTION TO LONMIN VIOLENCE

In a statement issued today the CEO of SACCI, Mr Neren Rau, said: QUOTE: The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) is disturbed by the loss of life and ongoing violence at the Lonmin mine. SACCI is calling on the leadership in the labour unions to peaceful talks in order to prevent any further loss of life and injuries. The tragic events of the past week cast a negative light over South Africa and the willingness of stakeholders to enter robust debate.

SACCI WELCOMES REVISED NDP

In a statement issued today, the President of SACCI, Mr Chose Choeu, said:

QUOTE: The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) congratulates the National Planning Commission (NPC) on the revised National Development Plan (NDP). The NDP is one of the most important long-term strategy documents for South Africa and contains a host of practical and creative proposals to better economic and social conditions in the country. The NDP also confirms that the South African business community has an important role to play in strengthening the economic conditions in the country.

UNEMPLOYMENT LOWER BUT STILL AT UNACCEPTABLE LEVELS

In a statement issued today the President of SACCI, Mr Chose Choeu, said: QUOTE: The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) is gladdened by the decrease in the official unemployment level to 24.9%, in the second quarter of 2012 although this number is still far too high for the sustainable development of South Africa.  The broad unemployment figure (i.e. adding discouraged workers to the unemployed) also decreased from 38.2% to 37.8% in the same quarter.  Despite the decrease, it is extremely worrying that nearly every second South African adult is without work.  SACCI is mindful of the range of factors impeding job creation, such as the skills deficit, but the main culprit remains inflexible labour legislation.