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MBABANE - President of the Federation of Eswatini Business Community (FESBC) Henry Tum du Pont says businesspeople are never taken seriously.
This was with regard to whenever there was an activity that was likely to affect business in the country.
Speaking on national radio yesterday morning, du Pont made an example about the recent shutdown in South Africa.
He said the recent shutdown was politicised, resulting in contrasting statements from those in authority, leaving businesspeople in a dilemma.
Members
Eswatini and South Africa are both members of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), meaning their economies get receipts from the union.
This means that a shutdown in South Africa affects Eswatini directly as the two countries share borders, which are essential for trade carried out mostly by the business community.
It is common cause that freight rails and roads, which are used to transport goods, are a major target whenever there is a shutdown.
“It is unfortunate that we cannot all be in politics at the same time.
“Those in politics should tell the truth that will inform our decisions whenever there are issues likely to affect our businesses in the country.
“Contrasting statements from those in authority are not helpful to the business community,” he said.
Du Pont added that the business community needed to be informed of the possible consequences of any action likely to affect them before risking their businesses.
“It is not that we like to be heard talking but we are compelled by the losses that we suffer after every shutdown,” he said.
Shudown
Worth noting is that the African National Congress (ANC), which is the current ruling party in South Africa and the Democratic Alliance, poured cold water on the recent shutdown while the Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) claimed a success.
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula was quoted by Times Live having mocked the turnout and intensity of the shutdown, calling it a ‘flop’.
However, EFF President Julius Melema argued that the fact that some businesses in cities like Johannesburg, Tshwane and Richard’s Bay freight rails hub had opted not to operate, was proof that the shutdown was a success.