South African business confidence fell to the lowest level in four months in July as concerns over political uncertainty and state companies\u2019 finances outweighed the positive effects of lower interest rates and higher commodity prices.<\/p>\n
An index measuring sentiment declined to 92 from 93.3 in June, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry said Wednesday in an emailed statement. The median estimate of 4 economists in a Bloomberg survey was 93.<\/p>\n
Business sentiment, which surged to a two-year high in early 2018 after Cyril Ramaphosa won the leadership of the ruling African National Congress and took over as president of the country, is affected by indications that the ruling party is divided \u201con policy, political and factional lines,\u201d the chamber said.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s because these divisions have a direct impact on the government\u2019s efficiency and effectiveness in implementing its policies and managing the fiscus.<\/p>\n
Central bank data shows the economy is stuck in its longest downward cycle since 1945.<\/p>\n
The business chamber said structural deficiencies, including a widening budget deficit, the debt burden created by loss-making state-owned companies such as Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. and an increase in public-sector borrowing requirements need to be addressed to create a better business environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cGovernment\u2019s own current practice of how leadership and management is appointed to run its businesses and municipalities is where all problems start,\u201d the chamber said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is no longer negotiable that government urgently restructures its policies and procedures on how state-owned companies are managed, particularly through the independent appointment of competent boards and management.\u201d<\/p>\n