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The planned protest action by the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) this coming Thursday and Friday must remain peaceful and not disrupt business in any way. The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) recognizes the ANCYL’s constitutional rights to freedom of political assembly and political expression, but the exercise of such rights may not disturb the economic activities of the rest of South Africa.

SACCI recognizes the significant problems of youth unemployment and social inequalities in South Africa. These problems can only be solved through sober political dialogue and the appropriate implementation of government policy.

Violent protests that disrupt the activities of the South African business community can only add to the long list of difficulties that small to medium sized enterprises (SMME’s) face daily. Disrupting the activities of SMME’s is therefore obviously counterproductive to the twin objects of job creation and enhanced social mobility.