Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) reaffirmed its commitment to long-term investment in Durban and the broader KwaZulu-Natal region at a recent high-level meeting with eThekwini Municipality leadership.
The meeting, attended by Mayor Cyril Xaba and TSAM President and CEO Andrew Kirby, focused on strengthening collaboration in infrastructure development and economic growth.
This includes critical enablers for industrial growth such as road upgrades, stable electricity supply and improvements to water and sanitation infrastructure in the Prospecton Precinct, which is home to TSAM’s manufacturing plant.
During the meeting, Xaba was joined by City Manager Musa Mbhele, Economic Development Chairperson Thembo Ntuli, Trading Services Chairperson Mduduzi Nkosi and Executive Committee Member Andre Beetge.
To support industrial activity in Prospecton, Xaba said the municipality is investing over R450 million in road infrastructure projects currently at various stages of implementation.
A major water infrastructure upgrade is also underway. The project includes the replacement of a 375mm asbestos cement pipeline with a new 400mm steel pipeline to improve water supply in the area.
“In response to flood damage, over R120 million has been allocated to repair and upgrade sewer networks and pump stations. Additionally, the city has invested in refurbishing power substations that service TSAM and surrounding industries,” Xaba said.
He described TSAM as one of eThekwini’s most significant investors with a partnership spanning more than five decades.
“We are not taking this relationship lightly. That is why we are committed to accelerating current infrastructure projects by shortening lead times for construction and repair work,” Xaba said.
The city’s dedicated support team will continue working closely with TSAM to resolve infrastructure challenges and ensure regular progress updates, he added.
Kirby reiterated the company’s longstanding commitment and assured the mayor that it will continue to be part of the solution to grow the city’s economy.
“Even after the catastrophic floods, it was never a consideration to leave Durban. The strength of our relationship with the city has always been a key factor,” he said.
TSAM contributes R18 billion in national taxes annually and the municipality collects over R6 million in rates from the company each year, Kirby pointed out. — SAnews.gov.za
