Johannesburg - The American Chamber of Commerce (ACC) has publicly declared its support for Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.
It has also recommended the public protector investigate the ongoing battle between the minister and the Hawks so it could be resolved.
The Hawks this week summoned Gordhan to appear at its offices to receive a warning statement. The minister is reportedly the prime target of a Hawks investigation into an alleged rogue South African Revenue Service intelligence-gathering unit. Gordhan refused.
In an advertisement in one of Joburg's morning papers on Friday, the ACC wrote: “Minister Gordhan, you have our support. We urge you to stay strong. South Africa needs you.”
The ACC said the country had a future but only one that embraced stability, prosperity and also enjoyed the benefits of economic growth. “But only if we see visible leadership as we stand at the abyss of a tumbling rand and assured ratings downgrades. We need South Africa’s political leadership to lead South Africa,” the advert states.
The chamber asks President Jacob Zuma, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC national executive committee, members of Parliament as well as labour, civil society and citizens to support Gordhan.
Meanwhile, 70 academics from South African universities have expressed their outrage at the way the saga is unfolding.
In an open letter, the academics said: “With predictions of a zero growth in 2016, stubbornly high unemployment, persistent poverty and inequality, and a volatile currency, this is not the time to be playing such dangerous games with the lives and well-being of all sectors of our economy and society, especially the poor and the vulnerable.
“We urge the president, the cabinet and the NEC of the ANC to assist in bringing this dangerous set of events to an end in the best way possible in the interests of our country and our economy.
“It is time for real leaders in the NEC and the cabinet and in the SACP and Cosatu to stand up to the tyrannical and despotic behaviour on display here because yet again, we stand on the edge of an economic precipice.”
The academics, however, said they were writing the letter being mindful of the fact that the minister of finance did not enjoy any special privileges or protection and that everyone was subject to the rule of law and the constitution.
“Finally, our stance does not mean that all of us share with equal enthusiasm the fiscal framework of the Treasury and government,” the letter said.
According to the letter, these academics are collectively supported by academics at UCT, the Western Cape, Stellenbosch and Wits.
The Star