GARETH ACKERMAN: Deaf to business, government is crippling retail trade, especially in liquor
Limits imposed on weekend sales are causing job losses, a drop in GDP and increasing the social burden
President Cyril Ramaphosa made several promises in his annual state of the nation address about how to revive and reconstruct the SA economy. Among these was the need to accelerate local production of goods, which will not only create employment but also make SA exports globally competitive. The consumer goods manufacturing and retail sector is already participating in a pilot project in which 20 products have been identified for the localisation drive based on proposals the sector made to the government.
The question is how we can ensure delivery. There have been many discussions with business, labour and other social partners on how to move SA forward. However, suggestions made in good faith by the business sector have fallen on deaf ears, without any explanation from the government on the implementation of policies and regulations that threaten livelihoods. ..
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