Johannesburg - The cost to the economy of Cosatu’s mass action campaign may run into billions of rands, Business Unity SA (Busa) said on Wednesday.
Legitimate business activity had been disrupted in a number of centres around the country, including Cape Town and Durban, Busa said its members reported.
Production and deliveries were also interrupted in several sectors of the economy. It regretted reports of strike-related violence, intimidation, and destruction of property.
“Where such violence has occurred, individuals, whether affiliated to a specific trade union or not, must be held accountable for acts of criminality,” Busa said.
It added that repeated mass protests could damage perceptions of South Africa among international investors.
“Busa does not believe that today’s mass action has strengthened the South African economy or created new jobs, or taken the discussions on labour broking and e-tolling any further.”
It hoped that labour broking and e-tolling could continue to be constructively discussed in appropriate structures.
Legitimate business activity had been disrupted in a number of centres around the country, including Cape Town and Durban, Busa said its members reported.
Production and deliveries were also interrupted in several sectors of the economy. It regretted reports of strike-related violence, intimidation, and destruction of property.
“Where such violence has occurred, individuals, whether affiliated to a specific trade union or not, must be held accountable for acts of criminality,” Busa said.
It added that repeated mass protests could damage perceptions of South Africa among international investors.
“Busa does not believe that today’s mass action has strengthened the South African economy or created new jobs, or taken the discussions on labour broking and e-tolling any further.”
It hoped that labour broking and e-tolling could continue to be constructively discussed in appropriate structures.