Businessmen are bothered by "the populist rhetoric of the left," the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry said on Tuesday as it launched its first annual Business Environment Review and Forecast 2008-2009.

The review noted that the change in the presidency during 2008 brought assurances from the ruling African National Congress that there would be no change in current economic policies.

"This gave comfort to business," the review noted.

However, populist views of the left still nagged businessmen.

According to the review, a SACCI survey undertaken in October showed that 70 percent of the business people surveyed were concerned over the prospect of political leadership changes.

The review noted that the Zimbabwe political impasse remained unresolved and that it had not enhanced Africa's image internationally.

"The affects of the humanitarian crisis across SA's northern border is of increasing concern to politicians and business alike."

According to SACCI's review, the domestic business environment remained distracted by crime and the availability of skills.

"Hopefully the resources being channelled into the police and criminal justice system will bear fruit during the course of the year," the review said.

It said skills shortages were in part the result of weakness in the education system.

"Clearly there is a need for the private sector to become more directly involved in overcoming the problem whether it is through more direct or indirect involvement in various education and training initiatives."

The review noted that because of its reliance on coal for electricity generation, South Africa was one of the 15 top countries contributing to green house gas emissions.

"Both the world at large and the government will be seeking serious efforts to contain and reduce such emissions," SACCI said, adding that this would have a financial and regulatory impact on business.