Latest from SowetanLIVE
SowetanLIVE
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- SowetanLIVE
Toyota clears the air on insurer's lawsuit over 2022 Durban floods
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) says it has nothing to do with a lawsuit brought by its insurer against several government bodies in connection with the devastating floods that ravaged KwaZulu-Natal in 2022. The case has been filed by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co Ltd, the company that covered Toyota's losses after flooding shut down its Prospecton manufacturing plant near Durban in April 2022. The insurer is now going after the eThekwini municipality, the department of transport and Transnet in an effort to recover the payout it made. This kind of legal move is known as subrogation — when one party steps into the legal rights of another party, typically to pursue a claim or recover losses. The process often involves an insurance company taking over a policyholder's right to sue a responsible third party after paying out a claim. Toyota, however, has made it clear it's not behind the lawsuit, not funding it and won't see a cent if the insurer wins the case. 'We became aware of the legal proceedings and, with Tokio Marine's approval, reached out to the parties involved to let them know what was coming,' said TSAM in a statement. With the matter now officially before the courts, TSAM says it won't be commenting any further. Questions about the case, it added, should be directed to Tokio Marine. The 2022 floods caused widespread damage across the province and forced a temporary shutdown of the Prospecton plant, which is a key production hub for models such as the Hilux, Fortuner, Hiace, Corolla Cross and Corolla Quest. The disaster also dealt a blow to the local supply chain and export schedules.
SowetanLIVE
17 hours ago
- SowetanLIVE
Sindiso Magaqa murder trial set down for October after accused pleads guilty
The Pietermaritzburg high court has set a trial date for two accused of murdering the former secretary-general of the ANCYL, Sindiso Magaqa. This comes after one of the accused, Sibusiso Ngcengwa, pleaded guilty two weeks ago, implicating his co-accused. Initially the state was set to prosecute four men for Magaqa's murder but one, Mlungisi Ncalane, was declared unfit to stand trial and was admitted to a mental institution, while Ngcengwa pleaded guilty. New indictments were served on the remaining accused Sbonelo Myeza and Mbulelo Mpofana, who are charged with conspiracy to murder, murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and malicious damage to property. Ncengwa has since been convicted and is expected to be sentenced on June 30. The state said it was ready to prosecute the remaining two. 'Since accused number 4 has been separated in this matter by consent, we have agreed that this matter may be postponed for trial on the next session, which will be starting October 6 to 30,' said prosecutor advocate Elvis Cweka. The court heard witnesses, including police and ballistic experts, would take the stand. Ncengwa is already serving 95 years for a string of armed robberies. The suspects were arrested in 2017. It is alleged that Magaqa was killed because he had a dossier containing corruption information regarding the upgrade of a community hall in Mzimkhulu on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast. It is alleged that millions of rand were pumped into the accounts of appointed service providers but no upgrade was done on the hall. The late ANC leader in Harry Gwala district, Mluleki Ndobe, who was mayor, and municipal manager Zwelibanzi Sikhosana, were also arrested in connection with Magaqa's murder but the charges were withdrawn. Ndobe committed suicide in 2020. In his guilty plea, Ncengwa said: 'I confirm that I am the accused herein and that I know and understand the charges preferred against me, which are appearing on the indictment. My legal representative has explained to me the consequences of making this statement and I fully understand it.' Ncengwa said he freely, voluntarily and without being influenced pleaded guilty to the charges against him, adding that he made admissions to the charges 'in sound and sober senses'. He said Magaqa was shot with an AK47 rifle by his late co-accused, Jabulani Mdunge. Mdunge died in a shoot-out with police during a foiled cash-in-transit heist in September 2017. TimesLIVE
SowetanLIVE
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- SowetanLIVE
EasyDIY: A season to simplify and refresh
With the chill of winter settling over most of South Africa, many of us are retreating indoors, making this the perfect season to turn our attention to the spaces we call home. In this issue of EasyDIY, we're embracing a theme of simplify and refresh – helping you shake off trend fatigue and reconnect with timeless style. In a world where design trends come and go faster than the seasons, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's why we're focusing on ideas that endure. From our guide to timeless subway tiles – a staple that never falls out of vogue – to decor and paint tips that help you refresh without a complete overhaul; this edition is about finding comfort in the classics while adding your own modern twist. This season is also the ideal time to tackle those cosy indoor projects. Whether layering textures for warmth, experimenting with deeper paint shades or giving tired furniture a new lease of life, you'll find practical inspiration in every feature. So, as you sip your favourite warm drink and nestle in against the cold, let EasyDIY spark your next home refresh – simple, stylish and satisfying. Raina Julies
SowetanLIVE
a day ago
- Sport
- SowetanLIVE
B&I Lions nearing full fitness after good Gibson-Park news, Farrell says
The British and Irish Lions expect to have a fully fit squad in the next week or so after a positive update on scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park, coach Andy Farrell said after naming his side for Friday's warm-up against Argentina. The Lions are in relatively rude health as they prepare to fly to Australia having only lost Scotland prop Zander Fagerson to injury in the lead up. Gibson-Park was the other main concern after he missed Leinster's United Rugby Championship (URC) final victory on Saturday with a minor glute strain. Hugo Keenan also missed the final but Farrell said the Leinster fullback ran for the first time a couple of days ago and is going pretty well, while Scotland centre Huw Jones returned to full training this week. 'Good news on most of the injuries, they're all a week or so away from being fit,' Farrell said ahead of the Argentina clash at Lansdowne Road in Dublin.
SowetanLIVE
a day ago
- Sport
- SowetanLIVE
Juventus in right direction, says Tudor after power win at CWC, Hilal hold Real
Juventus coach Igor Tudor believes his team are heading in the right direction after playing some brilliant football to beat Emirati side Al-Ain 5-0 in their Club World Cup (CWC) opener on Wednesday. Tudor took over from Thiago Motta in March in the midst of a disappointing campaign after Juve had exited all cup competitions. He helped the club finish fourth in Serie A to secure a return to the Champions League next year. Juventus won the last of their 36 Serie A title in 2020. They are also without a major international trophy for over two decades and the revamped Club World Cup gives them an opportunity to change that. Club management have thrown their weight behind Tudor to lead the team's revival, with the coach extending his contract until 2028 earlier this month. 'I felt like the team really cared about this match, they were really motivated. They were on their mettle. They have that desire,' Tudor said.
