Chamber calls on businesses to unite

Following the events of last week’s unrest created wide-scale pandemonium throughout the city as looting, damage to properties, roads and arson prevailed instead of what should have been a peaceful protest.

The Benoni Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI) and its constituents faced the direct impact this had on the struggling economy of Benoni and all attempts to revive the business sector.

BCCI president Muhammad Essop said some businesses will never fully recover from such widespread devastation, while others may relocate to safer havens further away.

“The total disregard for the president’s call for peaceful protest, just the day before (July 12), speaks loudly to a precedent of criminal culture that is woven into the fabric of our society,” said Essop.

“It must, however, be stated that not all our citizens resort to this type of criminal behaviour and there are those among a more civilized culture that consider the impact and repercussions of such reckless actions. They are those brave men and women who have committed themselves to defend the decent and law-abiding citizens who outnumber those who are set on destroying our fragile democracy.”

The Benoni chamber wishes to encourage the businesses in the city that they will not only overcome such oppositions and threats but they will stand together as a force to be reckoned with.

Essop said Benoni is not a playground for thugs and looters but a city with great opportunities filled with ambition and possibilities.

“This is a call to all businesses to unite in one common vision and initiatives to build a thriving economy for all businesses within Benoni.

“We also wish to acknowledge and thank all the courageous participants who stood in defence of the atrocities and those who responded swiftly to the numerous violent incidents which took place in various places around the city,” he said.

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“Thanks to all the businessmen, the SAPS, EMPD, all sectors of the CPF, the security and armed response companies, ward councillors and many others who gave their time and immediate assistance, sometimes at odd hours of the day and night to serve and protect our community.”

Essop added as the dust begins to settle and the clean-up begins, the task to restore our city is mammoth and demands the participation of us all.

“We will rise up stronger and more determined to make Benoni the ‘jewel’ of the East Rand, as it is commonly known. Let us unite and build Benoni into a thriving hub for business.”

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