Business Report writes that the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) was warned that a national shutdown will not achieve any positive objective.
Noting the call for a shutdown by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the business body pointed out on Thursday that the country was facing significant headwinds and said that, “whilst the right to peaceful protest is enshrined in our constitution, this right cannot be exercised at the detriment of others.” Sacci added: “Our challenges of economic growth, unemployment, poverty, and inequality cannot be resolved by resorting to extra parliamentary and negligent political action that disrupts economic activity. We also urge the organisers to do everything in their power to condemn the apparent intimidation and threats of looting businesses and interfering with those who choose not to participate in the shutdown.” Meanwhile, Solidarity said that its members would work on Monday and demanded that employers should remain open. The trade union said it had sent letters to more than 1,200 companies where it was represented in which it indicated that its members would show up for work on Monday and employers were expected to remain open so that Solidarity members could work. Dr Dirk Hermann, Chief Executive of Solidarity, pointed out that Solidarity members had a contractual duty to work and the employer had a duty to provide work in a safe and responsible way. According to Hermann, Solidarity members would offer their services and employers could not send them on compulsory leave or close office and not pay them for it. In its letter, Solidarity encouraged employers to hold Julius Malema in person and the EFF civilly liable, for any damages caused.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ashley Lechman at Business Report
- Lees ook, Solidariteit oor #NationalShutdown: ‘Ons sal werk’, by Maroela Media
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