File
The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called on political parties who are entering coalition talks to put the country first.
CEO, Alan Mukoki, said on Monday that national the business chamber noted the election outcome, and thanked South Africans for making their voices heard.
“We congratulate South Africans who filed in the long queues to make their voices heard and did so in an orderly and peaceful manner.
“Our democracy is indeed a vibrant one with free political contestation and multi-party contestation. The outcome of the vote reflects the will of the people,” he said.
Mukoki also noted that despite the challenges faced by the Electoral Commission of South Africa, he said the IEC “executed its mandate with credibility.”
The Chamber boss also had this message for the parties who made it to the National and Provincial Assemblies, to “prioritise the interests of the people of South Africa in putting
together a coalition that will take SA forward.
“Foremost should be the alleviation of high levels of unemployment, building a meritocracy and sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and ridding the state and the private sector of corruption.
“Political stability and policy certainty are the fundamental hallmarks that will drive business and investor sentiment,” Mukoki said.
He said political parties have an opportunity to unite South Africa for the better development of the republic and the continent.
“There are a number of successful developed countries that are run by coalition governments from whom we can learn in managing the instability problems, inherent in coalitions.
“We look forward to working with the new coalition government,” he concluded.
