SACCI worried about Zuma’s “interventionist” tone

From the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry:

SACCI welcomes the new Ministerial appointments and the creation of a Small Business Ministry
but remains concerned about the interventionist tone of recent official statements. The cabinet
shows a commitment to the priorities in the President's inauguration speech of yesterday, these
being accelerated infrastructure investment; radical economic transformation and jobs growth.
SACCI will be an active partner toward an improved economic and investment environment but
remains of the view that this must be predicated on lower levels of state interventionism

Minister Gordhan's appointment to COGTA is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in
the local government sphere, especially in addressing service delivery and local economic
development. The National Treasury is also in the hands of a skilled and experienced leader in
Minister Nene. SACCI anticipates a strong partnership with the Ministry as was experienced
under Minister Gordhan.

We welcome the SME Ministry which was high on SACCI's wish list. SACCI has, and will continue
to engage towards an SME Department that serves the development interests of SMEs and the
economy. This would be include simplifying the SME regulatory environment, reviewing and
expanding incentives for SMEs, championing the cause of SMEs with other government
department and the Presidency vis-à-vis policy development.

SACCI looks forward to building on its existing relationships with government in the approaching
term and will continue to constructively engage on issues impacting the business environment