Unrest latest: Toyota reconfirms investment plans
ETHEKWINI Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and Nigel Ward, Executive Senior Vice President of Toyota South Africa Motors have committed to strengthening relations between the city and the giant car manufacturer, which operates a manufacturing plant in the South Durban basin.
EThekwini Municipality and Toyota South Africa Motors ( TSAM) met on Wednesday to address the concerns the company had raised following the civil unrest in the city last week.
TSAM had earlier raised its concerns about the social and economic impact of the unrest in a letter to eThekwini Municipality Mayor Kaunda, last week asking the city to provide its plan regarding the restoration of stability and rebuilding of the city. It also said that it was concerned about the safety of its staff and their communities and that its manufacturing plant in Prospecton in the South Durban basin had remained closed from July 12. The vehicle manufacturing plant reopened on Tuesday July 20.
TSAM later said in a statement that the city had responded and provided an outline of its plan and that the motor manufacturing giant was committed to its investment in the city. The irm said it wold work with local and national government to rebuild the economy.
In a statement issued by the eThekwini Municipality on Wednesday, the city said that both parties had committed to safeguard the investments of Toyota and other businesses in
Durban and to continue to create a conducive environment for the car manufacturer and other investors to thrive in the city.
Kaunda assured Toyota’s management at the meeting that the city, working with all law enforcement agencies, had now put tough measures in place to safeguard businesses after the week- long civil unrest that engulfed the city.
“We are also accelerating discussions about the construction of the new Automotive Supplier Park which is going to be a catalyst for job creation and business opportunities. We have a long- standing relationship with Toyota and we are pleased that the company has committed itself to remain in Durban and most importantly to expand its investment,” Kaunda said.
Toyota South Africa CEO, Andrew Kirby, commended the city for addressing the concerns the company had raised about the impact of the unrests. Kirby added that Toyota would not leave Durban, KwaZulu- Natal and South Africa.
“We are looking forward to continue with our plans of expanding investment through the construction of the Auto Supply Park which has the potential of encouraging foreign direct investment in the city and create much- needed jobs,” Kirby said.