Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has dismissed rumours of its disinvestment in the province of KwaZulu-Natal following the rise of Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) and subsequent victory of the elections in the province.
There have been widespread talks that TSAM is considering moving its local manufacturing base to another province, such as the Eastern Cape.
Toyota SA’s corporate communications manager Lelo Ndzimela has dismissed these claims as mischievous and false as reported in the media.
“This is just a rumour. Toyota South Africa Motors remains committed to its investment in the community in and around Prospecton, KwaZulu-Natal,” Ndzimela said.
KZN Santaco manager Sifiso Shangase says Toyota has not communicated anything to the taxi industry about any decision to relocate their manufacturing plant.
“The taxi industry has not received any communications or warning about Toyota’s decision to relocate its manufacturing plant to any area as result of a certain political party having won the elections in the province.
He pleaded with investors not to entertain fears as to who is going to govern the country or the province as South Africa is governed by the rule of law.
“We are of the view that Toyota’s management understands the importance of democracy and rule of law in South Africa that is well entrenched. South Africa remains a good investment destination for both local and international companies for the past thirty years since the dawn of democracy and continues to be so beyond the elections,” Shangase said.
He added that the rule of law will always prevail. “We have constitutional democracy and whoever is entrusted with the governing of the province is expected to abide by the laws of the country,” Shangase said.
