Nafcoc appalled at upsurge in vandalism

THE National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (Nafcoc) is concerned with the resurgence of vandalism, damaging and looting of black businesses after the recent spate of unrest and rioting in the townships.

Nafcoc represents mainly small and medium enterprises in eight sectors and in all the nine provinces. Most of our members are located in the black townships.

We therefore condemn this wanton and senseless destruction and looting of our members’ businesses.

We are concerned that these violent actions not only endanger the lives of our members but also threaten their livelihoods and the livelihoods of those who work for them.

It is now an established fact that small and medium enterprises are the most effective generators of employment.

According to Landiwe Mahlangu, Nafcoc’s chief economist, for every black business that exists, at least four other people are gainfully employed.

“Even more important, these acts of vandalism on township businesses have the potential to undermine the implementation of township economy revitalisation” Mahlangu said.

Our view is that townshipbased entrepreneurs, traders and industrialists are central to townships’ economic revitalisation.

National African Federated Chamber of Commerce therefore calls on upon the municipalities and provincial authorities to act swiftly to stem this trend and alleviate the plight of township-based entrepreneurs who have been affected.