Fourways Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes government’s decision to move the country into Level 2

The president of Fourways Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Danie Bezuidenhout has welcomed the decision of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) to move the country into lockdown Level 2.

Bezuidenhout said it was painful that some of their members had to close their businesses and some went to a point of restructuring process because of lockdown. “As a chamber we welcomed the opening of the economy even further with open arms.

“The bulk of our members are based in the SMME market, a segment that has taken huge strain with many having to lay off staff, others had to rethink their operating model and a number of them had to close down because of the lockdown.”

Bezuidenhout added that the outbreak of Covid-19 has not only presented challenges and destroyed businesses but also forced them to think out of the box and come up with new ideas.

“Whilst we are all witness to the economic carnage visible, a number of good things have come with the measures forced upon us by government as a result of Covid-19.

“We strive to educate our members in setting up their own businesses in anticipation of the lockdown levels lifted further and ultimately post- Covid.

“We do believe business before lockdown, during this period and thereafter will never be the same and share as much information possible via our website to keep our members and the public informed.”

He said as a body that represent local businesses, they have a responsibility to convey member’s views to the government.

“As a local chamber of commerce and industry, we are also members of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who partakes in conversations right up to government level.

“This allows us to be the voice of business by passing vital information from our members to government and back to enhance trading conditions in our area.”