Ongoing taxi strikes and threats of strikes are hampering South Africa’s hesitant recovery from the global economic crisis, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) said on Thursday.
The strikes were also casting a shadow over the success of the Soccer World Cup, Sacci said in a statement.
“Demonstrations such as those occurring in Port Elizabeth show contempt for the rule of law.
“Those in Johannesburg, in protest against much-needed transport infrastructure improvements, are accompanied by violence, illustrating a disregard for private property and human life.”
Sacci said that just three months before the Soccer World Cup, the protests, and threats of protests, could discourage visitors from supporting the event.
“The reputational risk faced by the country is considerable.”
Sacci appealed to the taxi associations and unions to “put South Africa first” and to desist from actions that tarnished the country’s reputation as a caring, friendly destination. — Sapa