The R6.1 billion investment announced by Toyota is on track to create 2,000 jobs, Toyota South Africa Chief Executive Officer Andrew Kirby said.<\/p>\n
The Japanese carmaker recently announced its R6.1 billion investment in South Africa.\u00a0In May, President Jacob Zuma launched the new generation locally produced Toyota Hilux and Fortuner models at the carmaker\u2019s Prospecton plant in Durban.<\/p>\n
Kirby said the 2 000 jobs will be created through the company\u2019s supplier value chain, and a further 500 jobs will be created within Toyota South Africa Motors, as\u00a02 700 vehicle parts will be procured locally.<\/p>\n
\u201cA further R42 million empowerment trust has been set aside. More than 85% beneficiaries are black. These include black-owned enterprises, suppliers and socio-economic beneficiaries. The trust can also be used as a tool for skills development, where employees and unemployed people may benefit,\u201d said Kirby.<\/p>\n
The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) and Brand South Africa on Thursday organised a tour for media at the carmaker\u2019s Durban plant. The purpose of the site tour was to profile South Africa\u2019s competitive business environment ahead of the International AIDS conference taking place next week in Durban.<\/p>\n
Director of Automotives at the dti, Tinyiko Mafuwane, said the investment and trust fund were in line with the department\u2019s vision of economic transformation, with the inclusion of previously disadvantaged groups in the mainstream economy.<\/p>\n
Mafuwane said Toyota SA was moving in the right direction regarding empowerment through implementing a number of initiatives that will also grow the sector, and this should set an example for other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).<\/p>\n
Port Elizabeth to get new R11 billion mega factory<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n