Johannesburg - South Africa's business confidence index nudged up 0.2 points to 89.2 in September, cheered by a surprise jump in new car sales in the month, a survey by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) showed on Tuesday.
However Sacci voiced concern about the still-low level of confidence in the economy, saying labour disruptions in the first half of the year impacted various financial indicators.
A five month long strike in the mining sector impacted other industries such as manufacturing and dragged the economy to a 0.6% contraction in the first quarter.
READ: SA avoids recession
"Although it appears that waning business confidence has been checked, business confidence remains at an undesirably low level," Sacci head Neren Rau said at a press conference.
Businesses are also concerned about above-inflation wage increases that are not matched by productivity levels.
"Resistance to a performance-based system and compensation is concerning and government needs to take a strong stance," Rau added.
READ THIS NEXT: Net reserves down at $43bn
However Sacci voiced concern about the still-low level of confidence in the economy, saying labour disruptions in the first half of the year impacted various financial indicators.
A five month long strike in the mining sector impacted other industries such as manufacturing and dragged the economy to a 0.6% contraction in the first quarter.
READ: SA avoids recession
"Although it appears that waning business confidence has been checked, business confidence remains at an undesirably low level," Sacci head Neren Rau said at a press conference.
Businesses are also concerned about above-inflation wage increases that are not matched by productivity levels.
"Resistance to a performance-based system and compensation is concerning and government needs to take a strong stance," Rau added.
READ THIS NEXT: Net reserves down at $43bn