Johannesburg - South Africa must come to terms with its own unique
circumstances to create jobs and tackle inequality, the SA Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (Sacci) said on Friday.
The statement followed a business breakfast Sacci held with Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan earlier in the day.
Problems included the lack of required infrastructure, excessive red tape and a shortage of the right skills.
Gordhan had acknowledged these issues, which echoed the concerns raised by Sacci members.
Gordhan, with deputy minister Nhlanhla Nene, National
Treasury and SA Revenue Service officials, had discussed with Sacci the
cost of doing business, carbon taxes, labour regulations, customs
modernisation, retirement reform and corruption.
"This policy engagement was a bold step in the process
toward a partnership between business and government," said Sacci chief
executive Neren Rau.
"Currently the low levels of cohesion between government and business do not facilitate a 'Team South Africa' approach."
This approach was key to South Africa's growth and development, he said.