Chamber welcomes government support
Government’s pledge to support the rebuilding process of township businesses affected by the recent unrest has been welcomed by the Greater Alexandra Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Government’s pledge to support the rebuilding process of township businesses affected by the recent unrest has been welcomed by the Greater Alexandra Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
However, the chamber is seeking clarity on the form the assistance will take, and also voiced its concern about the speed at which government processes unfold.
“I wish they could quickly unpack the model of support so that we can all clearly understand it, while at the same time speeding up the process of finalising the mechanics of the support and effecting it,” chamber president Mpho
Motsumi told Alex News in an interview.
“These destroyed businesses were the sole livelihood of our members and need to be rebuilt like yesterday, to enable them to put back the food on the tables
of their families,” he said.
Turning to the issue of being compliant taxpayers as a prerequisite for support, Motsumi, the co-owner of Alex Mall, said this was not the time to focus on compliance.
You don’t rub salt into a wound, nor do you go to an aggrieved family at the time of mourning and say it was their fault that their son died, even if they had been careless.
Is that the kind of comfort and support the government wants to offer to its aggrieved citizens in the aftermath of the despicable looting spree?” Motsumi asked.
“It’s nice to commit to supporting the rebuilding process, but this must be coupled with the nitty-gritty details around the direction and form of support, and how this will function.
“As it is now, we are all in the dark; the only thing we know is the pronouncement made for support.”
The organisation is the sole business chamber in the township and Motsumi said they have been working tirelessly to ensure their members are compliant with business regulations and requirements.
Unfortunately, Motsumi claimed, government had not come to the party. He said the chamber had proposed that the government departments and agencies involved with business compliancy and support should take up residency at the chamber headquarters in Motsweding House, to make their services more accessible to the Alex community.
“There is nothing as frustrating as being sent from pillar to post when one wants to set up a business. Hence, we want a one-stop shop to make one’s business compliant and also a one-stop shop for assistance in registering the business and obtaining advice and financing support.”
He pointed out that in other countries, such as Austria, businesses are compelled to belong to a business chamber.
“This makes it easy for would-be business people to be organised and ensure compliance. I would urge for the adoption of such a model.”
