Latest news with #SibonisoDuma
IOL News
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
KwaZulu-Natal DOT assembles legal team for Tokio Marine lawsuit over flood damages
The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, met with Andrew Kirby, the president and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors. Image: Supplied The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport (DOT) is assembling a strong team of legal minds to guide them on a lawsuit instituted by insurance company Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. The Japan-based insurance company has sued the eThekwini Municipality, Transnet SOC Limited, and the DOT in respect of the April 2022 floods, which affected Toyota South Africa Motors (Pty) Ltd (TSAM), based in Prospecton. In court papers, it is stated that the three organisations had failed in their duty to maintain infrastructure and should have known that neglecting such responsibilities could lead to flooding. During the April floods, the structural integrity of the Umlaas Canal and the diversion berm was compromised, leading to stormwater flowing into the Prospecton Industrial Area, where the Toyota plant is situated, causing extensive flooding and damage, as read in the court papers. It stated that Transnet owned the Umlaas Canal and was responsible for its management and maintenance, as well as the flood risk associated with it. The concrete-lined canal is intended to channel and divert the uMlazi River around the Prospecton Industrial Area. Together with the diversion berm, it forms an integral part of the flood control and prevention mechanism for the Prospecton Industrial Area, it further stated. It said the DOT was responsible for the management and maintenance of the diversion berm, while the municipality owned, managed, and was responsible for the maintenance and control of the stormwater management system for the Prospecton Industrial Area. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Tasneem Lorgat, the general manager, Marketing Communications for Toyota, stated that TSAM submitted its insurance claim to Tokio Marine in respect of the floods. Lorgat stated that the flood affected TSAM's manufacturing operations. She said the litigation proceedings are not being facilitated and/or funded by TSAM. Accordingly, TSAM will not benefit in any way from the subrogated recovery action against these entities. She said upon learning of the impending recovery litigation, TSAM undertook, with the consent of Tokio Marine, to engage with each of the defendants to advise them of the impending subrogated recovery action. The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said that he had spoken with Andrew Kirby, the president and CEO of TSAM, on Friday. Duma stated that the department is consulting with lawyers and could not get into the legal technicalities and details of the processes that will unfold. 'Kirby has emphasised his commitment to work with us to build this province. We have agreed to sustain our relationship that has evolved over the years. We have agreed that nothing should come between us and this enduring relationship,' Duma said. eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, said the municipality was aware of the court action and had filed a notice to defend. An eThekwini Municipality finance committee report, in April 2025, stated that the municipality is actively working on improving critical infrastructure and water supply systems, particularly in the Toyota and South African Breweries (SAB) precincts, south of Durban, to mitigate future disruptions and demonstrate accountability In a municipal report, a suggestion was made to explore the possibility of relocating TSAM from its current location, which is situated in a flood-prone area in Prospecton, and that the current weather conditions pose significant risks to the company's operations. According to the report, relocating to another area within the eThekwini municipal region should be considered to mitigate potential long-term impacts, including huge job losses. Refilwe Ramatlhodi Ndhlovu, manager of corporate communications at TSAM, indicated that TSAM has no plans to relocate its manufacturing operations and remains invested in the community and investments made at the plant. Andre Beetge, DA Ward 97 councillor and Executive Committee member (Exco), stated that TSAM plays an important role within the southern economy. He said TSAM also creates job opportunities, and one must take into account the ancillaries that find themselves directly reliant on the existence and location of this 'anchor' manufacturer.
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Toyota's Japanese insurer files R6.5b lawsuit against KZN government
TOYOTA South Africa Motors' (TSAM) Japan-based insurer, Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Insurance Co. Ltd, is suing the KZN Department of Transport (DoT), Transnet and the eThekwini Municipality for R6.5b for the unprecedented damages faced by Toyota's Prospecton branch following the devastating April 2022 floods. Also read: Floods hit Prospecton industries hard The insurer filed a summons in the Durban High Court against the three defendants, with the plaintiff's court papers stating the defendants had failed in their duties of maintaining the key infrastructure meant to safeguard the Prospecton Industrial Area from flooding. It is stated within court papers that Transnet owned the Umlaas Canal and was therefore responsible for its maintenance, management, and responsible handling of the flood risk associated with it. The canal, which is lined with concrete, channels and diverts the Umlazi river around the Prospecton Industrial Area. Together with the diversion berm, which falls on the Department of Transport to maintain and manage, it forms a vital part of the flood control and prevention for the area. In addition, it states responsibility for the stormwater management system falls on the eThekwini Municipality. 'As a result of these failures, Toyota was compelled to engage various contractors to repair the damage caused by the flooding and hired specialist engineers to repair the structural damage to the premises, as well as damage to electrical installations, plumbing, air-conditioning and assembly systems,' it said. The damages, which amounted to over R6.5b, included almost R4.5b for the costs incurred during the repair and reinstatement of the premises and property, and over R2b for the losses incurred during business interruption. Also read: KZN floods listed in top 10 costliest climate disasters of 2022 MEC of the KZN DoT, Siboniso Duma, engaged with president and CEO of TSAM, Andrew Kirby on June 20. He said, 'We have agreed to sustain our relationship. We will do that in the interest of the people of KZN and the whole country. Over the years, we have worked well with Kirby and executive vice president of TSAM, Nigel Ward, manufacturing, and Toyota. We agreed that nothing should come between us and this enduring relationship. The current litigation is not being facilitated or funded by TSAM, and it does not benefit in any way from the subrogated recovery action against us. We have no doubt that Toyota will continue to be the most preferred brand in the country. One cannot over emphasise the contribution the motor car industry had made to our economy.' eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said the municipality was aware of the court action and had filed a notice to defend. Transnet's media desk issued a brief response, saying it is aware of the litigation initiated by Toyota insurers and has filed a notice to defend. It further stated that given the early stages of the case, it would be premature to offer further substantiation. The April 2022 floods Following the trail of carnage left by the April 2022 floods, heavy rainfall and landslides in KZN, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster. Toyota's Prospecton plant was ravaged by the floods, and the business was left with around 4300 flood-damaged vehicles, nearly 90% of the cars on site. The automotive giant reported that over 100 000 new equipment parts needed replacing. Astonishingly, after three months of intense repairs and support from the company's Japanese head office, production resumed in August 2022. Following this, TSAM invested over R200m to prevent disasters of similar magnitude going forward, and over R100m was dedicated to establishing monitoring and maintenance systems to proactively guard against water ingress. These included an early-warning weather monitoring system, construction of perimeter canals, and significant upgrades to the site's stormwater network. An additional R128m was spent on internal interventions to protect the facility even if external systems failed. These included bund walls around critical infrastructure and raised doorways to reduce vulnerability to flooding. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Eyewitness News
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- Eyewitness News
KZN Transport Department says relationship with Toyota remains intact despite R6.5 billion lawsuit
JOHANNESBURG - The KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department says its relationship with Toyota remains intact despite the motor giant's insurer suing the provincial government for R6.5 billion. Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Insurance recently filed a lawsuit at the Durban High Court, seeking compensation for damages suffered at Toyota's Prospection Plant during the 2022 floods. Following a meeting with Toyota's senior managers, the Transport Department held a media briefing on Friday to update on the lawsuit. During the 2022 floods, Toyota's Prospection Plant in Durban was forced to shut down for four months, with its cars and machines submerged in water. This led to Toyota claiming billions from its Japanese insurer Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Insurance. The insurer is now seeking to recoup that money and has lodged a subrogated claim against the KZN Transport Department, Ethekwini Municipality and Transnet. Transport MEC Siboniso Duma says he met with Toyota officials today to clear the air. 'We agreed to sustain our relationship that has revolved over the years, we will do that in the interest of the people of KZN and the whole country. I am sure you know as the private sector they are a major employer in the province of KZN.' Meanwhile, Toyota South Africa Motors says it's not directly involved in the lawsuit and won't benefit even a cent if the Japanese insurer wins.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Citizen
WATCH: Transport MEC inspects Mzimkhulu River bridge repairs
The Mzimkhulu River bridge project is a little behind schedule. MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma conducted an inspection along with the speaker of Ugu, Sizwe Ngcobo and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality mayor, Zodwa Mzindle earlier today. Duma's surprise visit was to ascertain the project's progress. The resident engineer, Vusi Dlamini, said they are not too far behind, they need to complete the investigation on the pillars. Dlamini also mentioned that due to last week's weather, they had difficulties because of the high tides. Duma told the contractor to make it a point that he prioritises this project because of the road closure, and the timeframe given to the public to use the N2. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Video: Forensic review of dismembered remains confirms 10 died in Vryheid crash
'A trail of destruction… innocent lives lost, and the lives of many families have been turned upside down.' These were the words of the KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, following a horrific crash near Vryheid in KZN. The Witness reports that after a forensic review of dismembered remains, it was confirmed that 10 people died in the collision. Duma confirmed the death toll after visiting the crash site, hospitals and mortuaries. He said poor visibility in the early hours of the morning contributed to confusion and an initial miscount of casualties at the scene. The devastating accident, involving a bus and a truck, occurred on the R34 near Vryheid in the early hours this morning. The EFF confirmed that the victims were members returning from the party's June 16 Youth Day rally in Umlazi. The party said it is working closely with authorities to identify the deceased and support affected families. According to the Department of Transport, the 10 deceased include seven males and three females. 'Thirty-three passengers sustained minor injuries and were able to walk, three were injured but not critically, and two are in critical condition. The bodies of the deceased have been moved to the Dundee Mortuary. Both the bus and truck drivers survived and are receiving medical attention in hospital,' says Duma. The Road Traffic Inspectorate and the SAPS is conducting a thorough investigation into the crash. 'Conflicting survivor accounts have surfaced, with some alleging the bus driver attempted to overtake, while others claim he may have fallen asleep behind the wheel. We do not want to speculate at this stage. We are confident the investigation will provide clarity,' Duma adds. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
