The motor and banking industries have been left bleeding as floods cause damage to properties.
Standard Bank says it has had to close 34 of its branches and support facilities in the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban city and the North Coast until further notice.
Jean Hattingh, Standard Bank KZN head for consumer clients, says: “We express our deepest and sincerest condolences to those who have been impacted by the devastating floods in the KZN area, and especially those who have lost loved ones. Lives and livelihoods have been disrupted.”
Jean says the bank will endeavour to open branches that have been closed as soon as possible. “We also ask that our clients understand if services to other branches that have not been directly impacted are disrupted. Our staff are also experiencing difficulties accessing certain areas.”
Meanwhile,the Motor Industry Staff Association says the floods damaged Toyota headquarters. “Just yesterday MISA participated in a discussion of the union’s affiliated federation, FEDUSA, on climate change,” says Martlé Keyter, MISA’s chief executive officer.
“The message was clear: climate change is serious and companies need to think about it now. Tomorrow is too late. South Africa must mobilise all its resources to combat climate change as we did in combating the spreading of the Covid-19 pandemic.” She says the floods happened at a time when the motor industry was trying to recover from the Covd-19 pandemic.
The Road Freight Association says the floods will have an impact on logistics operations. “There will be delivery disruptions for goods being imported. The Association has advised members to delay any departures towards Durban, and to find depots and safe parking areas along the way,” says Gavin Kelly, the Road Freight Association’s chief executive officer.
