In a media statement issued today, a spokesperson for the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) said:

QUOTE:

It is with grave concern that SACCI notes that once again, within a matter of days before the 2010 Soccer World Cup, when the eyes of the world are on South Africa, a mass labour strike takes place.

Disruptions to essential services cannot be condoned. The inability of employees in business to get to work as a result of disruptions to bus services impacts negatively on productivity and constrains the ability of producers to deliver goods and services on time. This places a burden on the country's hesitant recovery from the global downturn as contracts are placed in jeopardy due to non performance by traders.

SACCI member chambers have reported that access to businesses has been made impossible due to vast amounts of litter and litter bins that have been strewn across the streets. The fact that shops along the routes taken by marchers have had to close through fear of vandalism impacts negatively on turnover and on already low profit margins. This in turn impacts on the ability of shop owners to cover expenses such as the payment of wages to employees. This has a ripple effect on the economy as workers' disposable income is reduced.

The vandalism and violence that has accompanied the strike portrays a poor image of South Africa as a safe and desirable country to visit at a time when fans are finalising arrangements to attend the 2010 Soccer World Cup. The recent accumulation of images that portray South Africa in a negative light has the potential to negate the benefits that the country hoped to accrue as a result of the tournament.

SACCI calls on strikers to consider the damage that can be done as a result of the strike and vandalism and to refrain from acting in a manner that has the potential to restrain economic recovery.