THE South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) has applauded aspects of the 2015 national budget delivered by Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene, saying many of the chamber’s most urgent concerns are being addressed.

Sacci represents the interests of small business owners, as the small businesses these entrepreneurs create gives rise to most new jobs in South Africa’s private sector.

Acting Sacci chief executive, Peggy Drodskie, says the R3.5bn budgeted for small- and medium size enterprise development will go a long way towards assisting SMMEs and create a conducive environment in which jobs can be created and these businesses can grow.