Sacci speaks out on State of the Nation Address

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) has welcomed what it calls’ the optimistic tone’ of President Zuma’s State of the Nation Address (Sona), but would have appreciated a more forward-looking view, according to CEO Neren Rau. Sacci welcomed calls for greater stability in industrial relations in the mining sector and the positive contribution of government mediation. It was also happy with progress on government infrastructure development thus far. “The Business community looks forward to further development that will support economic development, and greater participation of the private sector in infrastructure development,” he said. The commitment to procure 75% of total public sector spend from domestic businesses over the next five years, and the manufacturing incentives aimed at strengthening the industrial base, also drew positive response. But the organisation felt the Sona fell short as on several important issues, like cutting red tape to reduce bureaucratic and cost pressures on business, especially SMEs, and untangling labour market rigidities and clearing up the significant concerns brought by amendments to the Labour Relations Act.