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The DA has written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition, Duma Nkosi, to request an oversight visit to survey the economic damage inflicted on KwaZulu-Natal last week.

According to the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) 1199 retailers were impacted and damaged over the past week, 150 000 jobs have been put at risk and the estimated impact on gross domestic product (GDP) in the province is R20 billion. Furthermore, the national economy is estimated to have a taken a hit of R50 billion.

There is a strong sense in the business community that government has failed them, and they are considering divesting from the province. This will only serve to exacerbate the dire economic circumstances in which the residents of KZN find themselves.

High profile foreign investors such as Toyota have cited serious concerns with respect to the City of EThekwini’s ability to provide a way forward that secures their investment and provides policy certainty.

Both the Portfolio Committees on Defence and Police were in the province yesterday assessing the damages that occurred.

Then why is the committee charged with looking after industry not on the ground?

Therefore, we urge Chairperson Nkosi to agree to our request as we have a duty of care to protect both the lives and livelihoods of KZN residents.

Issued by The DA