Cape Town - The Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) released a statement on Wednesday, noting with concern the latest developments involving Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.
The business association noted that the National Prosecuting Authority’s decision to serve Gordhan with a summons relating to fraud charges stemming from his previous role as the commissioner of the South African Revenue Service “does not come entirely as a surprise”.
It did, however, “raise concerns about the short-to-medium term stability at the National Treasury, especially at a time when the economy remains fragile”, the JCCI said.
Ernest Mahlaule, the president of the chamber, urged all involved to follow due process “in order to quickly return the national focus to issues that will assist business, government and labour to expedite efforts to revive growth, restore confidence in the financial markets and put the economy on a sustainable path”.
“It is of paramount importance to ensure that due care is taken as the legal processes unfold so that investors are reassured about the rule of law in South Africa and that the country’s reputation as a viable investment destination is not harmed,” Mahlaule added.
AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY