'Taxi strikes impede recovery'

Johannesburg - The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) says the ongoing taxi strikes and threats of strikes are hampering South Africa's hesitant recovery from the global crisis and casting a shadow over the success of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup.

Sacci said in a statement on Thursday that 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.

"Just three months before the Soccer World Cup, the protests, and threats of protests, have the potential to discourage visitors from supporting the event. The reputational risk faced by the country is considerable," it said.

Sacci has appealed to the taxi associations and unions to "put South Africa first" and to desist from actions that tarnish the country's reputation as a caring, friendly destination.

- I-Net Bridge