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Johannesburg - The Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut (AHi) has welcomed the announcement by Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies that the draft business licensing bill will be redrafted.
The AHi however appealed to the government and entities such as the DTi to recognise the role which business chambers fulfil at local level.
"Not only does it play a crucial role in organising and uniting businesses, but it also provides a professional platform for networking and empowerment.
"In addition a range of services and marketing opportunities are also provided to its members and it influences policy that in turn leads to a more conducive and enabling business environment."
The statement said: "Instead of redrafting the Business Licensing Bill, consideration should rather be given to develop a National Chamber Licensing Charter or Act which would require all businesses to take up membership of various local business chambers before they could start operating.
"Most business chambers are already registered as non-profit companies with Sars.
"It provides a useful platform to register their members with Sars, the local municipality and has the capacity to act as a regulatory entity.
"Local business chambers also know the local business landscape well and its membership depends on how well it serves its member’s interest."
The AHi however appealed to the government and entities such as the DTi to recognise the role which business chambers fulfil at local level.
"Not only does it play a crucial role in organising and uniting businesses, but it also provides a professional platform for networking and empowerment.
"In addition a range of services and marketing opportunities are also provided to its members and it influences policy that in turn leads to a more conducive and enabling business environment."
The statement said: "Instead of redrafting the Business Licensing Bill, consideration should rather be given to develop a National Chamber Licensing Charter or Act which would require all businesses to take up membership of various local business chambers before they could start operating.
"Most business chambers are already registered as non-profit companies with Sars.
"It provides a useful platform to register their members with Sars, the local municipality and has the capacity to act as a regulatory entity.
"Local business chambers also know the local business landscape well and its membership depends on how well it serves its member’s interest."
