UD Express - E-Edition - 9 April 2026

Farmersforceclosureofmunicipalwastesite

SHANTI JAFTA

UNFENCED, unmanned and neglected; that has been the realityat the Hillwagt Transfer Site over the past year

Themunicipal-owned facilityhas now beenclosed by the Emerging Farmers’ Association, citing escalatingsafety risks, environmental damage and asustained lackofoperational control.

In anotice circulated to members, Emerging Farmers’ Association chairperson Armand du Preez confirmed the decision and warned against ongoing illegal dumping. “Illegal dumping at the site will notbetolerated. Offenderswill be reported andmay face fines of up to R2,000,” he stated.

The closure follows months of complaints from residents and repeated oversight visits by Ward 51 councillor Roelf Basson, whohas raised concerns about illegal dumping, uncontrolled fires and the absence of effective municipal management.

Basson said the site, originally designated for garden refuse, has been widely misused. “People are dumping building rubble and household waste, often at night when the site is unmanned and easily accessible,” he said.

Despite limited security presence during theday, access control has deteriorated.Aprivatesecurity

guardconfirmedthe site is monitored until18:00, but barriers intended to restrict entry were stolen, leavingthe areaexposed.

DuPreezsaid theclosure followed repeated incidentsofnon-compliance. “Someone was seen dumping waste, which was shared in the farmers’ group. Ipassed it on to our town ranger, whowill impose afine of up to R2,000 forillegal dumping,” he said

He added thatthe issue extends beyond enforcement. “We need to cultivateloveagainfor our town. We must look afterthe land properly, especially as we arefarming on public land,”hesaid

Residents living nearVerwoerd

Drive havereported to their Ward Councillor persistent smoke from waste being burned on-site. Basson said the fires, which occur daily, poseserious health risks. “The refuse is burned outevery dayand causesapermanent smoke smell to hang over the residentialarea,” he said

He added that thesite has also become agatheringpoint forindividualscollectingrecyclable materials, further complicating safety and access control.

In recent correspondence to municipal officials, Basson said he had beenengaging thePublic Health Department formore than 10 days withoutresolution. “The situation hasonlydeterioratedand become extremely dangerous,”hesaid.

He noted that previous attempts to stabilise operations failed after municipalstaff withdrew fromthe site following the discoveryofa body, whichled to further instability.

DA Public Health Committee whip Mthokozisi Nkosi, who conducted independent site visits over three days,described acollapse in operational control. He reported thatwaste collection services had not been carried out forweeks, with waste insteadbeing burned onsite. “Without aconcrete strategy to regain control, further clean-up efforts remainineffective,” Nkosi said.

TheEmergingFarmers’ Association, whose grazing land is directly affected, has closed access to protect livestock and limit further environmental degradation.

Basson warned that continued inaction could place the NelsonMandela BayMunicipality in breach of the National Environmental Management Act(Act 107 of 1998), which requires reasonable measures to prevent pollution. “Atthis rate we aregoing to lose lives and the Metro will be held responsible,” he said.

NelsonMandela Bay Municipality spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya has confirmed to UD Express that the tip site remains under municipal ownership. However, several other key questions regarding the matter remained unanswered at the time of going to print.

StraycattlecollectionsuspendedasFMDfearsmount

SHANTI JAFTA

THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality animal pound has suspended the collection of stray livestock as aprecautionary measure against the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), following concerns about arecentsuspected outbreak near Kariega, with the municipality confirmingthat impounding operations have been on hold since the appointmentofits current pound management service provider

According to the municipal spokesperson,Sithembiso Soyaya, the NMBM emphasisedthat the decision was made in coordination withnational and provincial veterinary authorities under the Animal DiseasesAct, dismissing suggestions of adeadlock between different levels of government whilst acknowledging residents’ concerns about increasing numbers of stray cattle creating potential safety hazards in streets and public spaces.

“The Nelson Mandela BayMunicipalityremainssteadfastinits commitment to fosteringa safe, healthy, andsecureenvironment for allresidents,”hesaid

“Thisincludes ongoing efforts to manage andupholdanimal welfare standards, whilst ensuringpublic safety. In responding to the current concernsregardingstray cattleand the risks associated withfoot and mouth disease, the Municipality continuestoact in line withits legislativeresponsibilities and in coordination with relevant authorities.”

Speaking to UDExpress,the NMBM animalpound master, StanleyAdams, co-founder of Busy Bee NPO,said that thepound will not be collectingany stray cattleasaprecautionary measure, in theirefforts notto spread the disease to other animals at the pound. This wassupported by the NMBM

“The NelsonMandela Bay Municipality, together withits appointed pound management service provid-

er,isfully aware of the threat posed by foot-and-mouth disease,” he said “As aprecautionary measure, the impoundingofstray livestock has been deliberately suspended to minimisethe risk of spreading the disease. There is no difference of opinion between the Municipality and itsservice provider, as bothparties are aligned in this approach.”

He added that the NelsonMandela Bay Municipality is awarethat the impounding of stray livestock has not taken place since the appointment of the current serviceprovider in January 2026.

“This is owing to the risks associated with foot-and-mouth disease, and as previously stated, the impounding of stray livestock has been temporarily put on hold as a precautionarymeasure to limit the potential spread of the disease,” Soyaya said.

Adams noted that despite the statement issued by the municipality regarding the resumption of the ani-

mal pound services, he stated that he requires awritten letter from the municipality should they require Busy Bee to collect stray cattle.

In response, Soyayasaid,“There is no necessityfor awritten directive to the pound management,as boththe Municipality and theservice provider are in full agreement regarding theapproach being followedwith thefoot-and-mouth disease.”

He addedthat,“in respect of the reported situation near Kariega, the Municipality confirms that it is aware of concerns relating to asuspected FMD outbreak.”

Soyaya addedthat “it is important to clarify that themanagement of FMDisthe legislativemandateof the National Department of Agriculture, in terms of theAnimal Diseases Act, 1984.

“The Municipality is working in full cooperation with national and provincial veterinary authorities, and allactions takenatlocal level

are guided by official directives issued throughthese channels.

“The Nelson MandelaBay Municipality notes publicconcerns regarding stray cattle collection and themanagement of risks associated with FMD. The Municipality wishes to state unequivocally that there is no deadlock between municipal services and national or provincial authorities,” he said Regarding themunicipality’s plan to address theoutbreak,Soyaya said what is currently underway is acoordinated,compliance-driven response aligned to national biosecurityprotocols.

“The Nelson MandelaBay Municipality remains committedtoprotecting both communitywellbeing and animal health.Itwill continue to closelymonitor thesituation in collaboration with theState Veterinary Services and other relevant stakeholders, and will provide updatestothe publicasdevelopments occur,” he concluded

Courtsettlementreachedindisputeoveranimalpound

SHANTI JAFTA

ALEGAL dispute between the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL)Port Elizabeth and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) over the operation of the municipalanimalpound has beensettled, with the settlement being madeanorder of theGqeberha High Court following hearings on 31 March and 1April.

The AACL broughtanurgent interdict application against Busy Bees ServiceProviders (Pty) Ltd and the municipality, citing alleged animalwelfare concerns at the facility.

Animal InspectorBeverley Rademeyer deposedtothe founding and replying affidavitsonbehalf of the organisation, notingthat the organisation’s primary objective is “to promotekindness andprevent or suppress cruelty to animals.”

In its answering affidavit, actingCity Manager, Thabiso Mfeya, opposed the application, statingthat “the allegations are exaggerated, contextually misleading and in many instances

factually incorrect.” He further described the founding affidavit as “emotive, contains inadmissiblehearsay and lacks objective substantiation.”

The dispute followed the expiration of the SPCA Uitenhage’s service-level agreement with the municipalityon27October 2025.

Mfeya said, “This created an immediateservice-deliveryvacuum that prompted the procurement action,” leading to the appointment of Busy Bees on asix-month contract. He also claimed, “The SPCA remained in unlawful occupation of parts of the municipal pound,” which impeded operations

Rademeyer alleged non-compliance by the service provider, including:“kennel overcrowding, lack of veterinary care, severe kennel stress, inadequate water, bedding and enrichment, and failure to humanely euthanise irreparably suffering animals.”

She stated, “Warrants were executed and severely compromised animals were seized as authorised, including on 21 March 2026.”

Mfeya challenged the AACL’s

legal standing,arguing it “lacks locus standi” and had failed to use available statutory remedies. He also disputed the urgency of the matter,stating the applicant had not shown it could not obtainsubstantial redress in the normal course. The municipality maintained it was supervising the service provider under avalid agreement and that minimum requirements were being met.

In her replying papers, Rademeyer rejected these claims, stating that unsupported assertions amounted to hearsay.She maintained that the AACL was properly authorised to act and accused the respondents of relying on urgency in procurement while denying urgency in animal welfarerelief

Busy Bees did not opposethe application and didnot file papers. The parties subsequently reached asettlement, which was madeanorder of court.

Following the outcome, Rademeyer thanked Advocate Bruce Dyke SC and Bowden-Gilfillan & Scholtz Inc., stating they acted probono and showed “dedication and compassion” in “speaking

on behalf of themostvulnerable in our Bay” AttorneySusanBowden-Gilfillan said thelegal team remained committed to animal welfare mattersand to ensuring that concernsraised throughlawful processesare addressed In astatementissued on 2 April 2026, municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said the AACL and SPCA hadfailedin their bid to take overthe municipal animal pound.“The Municipality firmly opposed theapplication,” Soyaya said,adding that it demonstratedthe casewas based on “materialmisrepresentations, factual inaccuracies,and exaggeratedclaims that didnot withstandlegal scrutiny”. He said settlement proposals from the AACL includedthe appointmentofanAACL official to supervise pound operations and for themunicipality to fund such oversight, as well as theappointmentofthe organisation’s legal representative as apaidfacilitator. “These proposals were rejected in full, as they sought to bypass lawfulgovernanceprocesses, undermine supply chain

compliance,and transfer operational authority to externalpartieswithout anylegal or contractual basis,” Soyaya said He addedthatthe finalsettlement affirmsthatthe municipality andits appointed serviceproviderwill continue managing the animal pound,and that no externalorganisation,includingthe AACL or SPCA, will supervise or interfere with pound operations. “All existing animal careserviceswill continue uninterrupted,includingfeeding,access to water, veterinary care, andfacility maintenance,” Soyaya said

He addedthatany visits by externalorganisationsmust follow properprotocols andprovide reasonable priornotice

“The outcome reaffirmsa fundamental principle: that no organisation can bypasslawful municipal processes, including supply chainregulations, throughlitigation in ordertosecure operational control of public services,” he said

Soyaya confirmed that the AACL andSPCA arenot partof theoperational management of themunicipal animalpound

SANDFdeploys290personnelinmajorECcrimeoperation

REPORTER

EASTERN Cape Provincial CommissionerLieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata has announced the deployment of 290 South African NationalDefence Force members to support police operations until March 2027, during the launch of Operation Prosper at ajoint security forces parade in Gqeberha on 2April.

The operation targets specific hotspots, including Helenvale, Gelvandale, Chatty and Kamesh in NelsonMandelaBay, as well as Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bayin

the Sarah Baartman District. The initiative focuses on dismantling drug networks, seizing illegal firearms,and combatingextortion syndicates and construction mafias.

"This mission is about restoring peace and dignity to communities,"said Ncata, emphasising that theSouthAfrican Police Service remains the lead agency, with the SANDF serving as aforce multiplier whilst acting strictly within the law and withrespectfor human rights.

The collaborative approach has already yielded results. On the

operation's first day, joint police andmilitary forces conducted sustained operations in gang-and drug-affected areas,resulting in four arrests andthe seizure of drugs and avehicle.

During operations between 06:00 and12:00 on 3April, three searchwarrants were successfully executed in the Gelvandale area, resultinginone arrest for possessionofmandrax. Officers also investigatedreports of firearm pointing andshots fired in the same area, thoughbothcomplaints were found to be without substance

Seven Section 22 stop-andsearchoperations were conducted between Gelvandale and Algoa Park,targeting addresses either gang-affiliated or known as drug distribution points.

Theafternoon brought more significantresults when asuspect tracingoperation at 15:00 by the Provincial Anti-GangUnit Combat Team, the SANDF,and the Gelvandale Crime Prevention Unit in Helenvale led to three suspects being detained on murder andabduction charges, whilst a white FordBantam bakkie was seized as evidence.

Buurtwagteenkieneemdeelaanmassapatrollie

’n GESAMENTLIKE veiligheidsinisiatief het onlangs op Kariega plaasgevind waar verskeie belangrike rolspelers saamgewerk het aan ’n grootskaalse gemeenskapspatrollie.

Die Mosel-buurtwag, in samewerking met AfriForum, hetdie volgende organisasies bymekaargekry: die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens (SAPD),WoGa Security, Topflight Security Services, Atlas

Security, Relay-nooddienste, Gardmed-ambulansdiens,die plaaslike verkeersdepartement en dieNelson Mandelabaai Metropolitaanse Munisipaliteit se ambulansdiens.

Van 21:00het ’n konvooi van bykans 30 voertuie, begelei deur die SAPD, ’nmagsvertoon deur die strate van Kariega gedoen. Tydens die magsvertoon het dieSAPD verskeieverdagtesindie omgewing voorgekeer en deursoek.

Volgens Louis van derVyver, AfriForumsedistrikskoördineerder vir die Oos-Kaap, is massapatrollies georganiseerdeveiligheidsoperasies wat as afskrikmiddeldien.

“Ditversterksamewerking tussen verskeierolspelers en bou aan sterker,selfstandige gemeenskappe,” sê Van derVyver.

“Verderskep patrollies ’n platform waar AfriForum-buurtwagte, privaat sekuriteitsmaatskappye,

die SAPD, nooddienste en ander strukture kan saamwerk en leer wat elke rolspeler se verantwoordelikheidtydens ’n patrollie en ander ongeluk- of misdaadtonele is.

“Dieaktiewe betrokkenheid van ons vrywilligers in hierdie massa-inisiatief wys weereens hoe noodsaaklik georganiseerde gemeenskapsveiligheid is in ’n land waar misdaad handuit ruk.AfriForumistrotsopelke patrolleerder

Thejoint operations represent an intensified effort to combat organised crime in areas where gang activity has significantly impacted community safety. Communities are urged to cooperate with law enforcement and reject mob justice as the sustained approach aims to disrupt criminal networks and provide relief from gang-related violence and drug trafficking.

Operations will continue across identified hotspots until safety and public order are fully restored, with the deployment scheduled to run until31March 2027.

wat hul tyd en vaardighede opoffer om hul gemeenskap te help beveilig. Dít is waar wareveiligheid begin –bydie gemeenskap sélf,” sluit Van der Vyveraf.

Hy het ook sers. Cisciro Jonathan, die hoof van Gemeenskapspolisiëring, en kol. Trevor Appel, waarnemende stasiebevelvoerder –albei verbonde aan die polisiekantoor op Kariega–vir hul ondersteuning en deelname bedank.

Healthofficialssoundvaccinationalarm

DESIRÉE RORKE

THE publicisurged to vaccinateagainst influenza as the flu season has commenced earlier than usual, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) announced recently.

The 2026 influenza season began in theweek of 9March, with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season startingsimultaneously.

The concurrent onset means

clinicianscould potentially see ahigh burden of patients with respiratory illness in medical facilitiesinthe coming weeks.

"The flu seasonisdeclared when the ratefrom the NICD sentinel surveillance exceeds the defined level for the season to startand is sustained for two consecutive weeks. While this year's season has started earlierthaninrecent years, it is similar to 2025, when the season startedinthe week of 24 March," says NICD spokesperson Vuyo Sabani.

VaccinesavailablefromApril Influenza vaccines have been available in pharmacies since the first week of April.

"The early start to the season means that thisyear, the vaccine is only becoming available as the season is getting started, so members of the public who fall into groupsathighrisk forsevere influenza areurged to get their vaccines as soon as possible,"says Sabani.

"Influenza vaccination is recommended to protect against infectionand severe illness. Ideally, the influenza vaccine should be administered prior to the start of

However, it is nottoo late to vaccinate once the season has begun.

"High-riskgroupsinclude pregnant women, individuals living with HIV, thosewith chronicconditions such as diabetes,lung disease, tuberculosis, heartdisease, renaldisease, and obesity,older individuals above 65, andchildren under two years old. These groups should seek medical help early if they develop respiratory symptoms which arenot resolving," says Sabani.

Prevention measures emphasised Influenza A(H3N2), A(H1N1) pdm09 and influenzaB,according seasonal umans with inillness,

which usually resolveswithin threetosevendays.However,influenzamay cause severeillness, leadingtohospitalisation or possibly death,especially amongst those at risk.

“While RSV is the leadingcause of bronchiolitis and lower respiratory tract infectionsinyoung children,itcan lead to severeillness in infants.

“It is highly contagious,primarily spreading through respiratory droplets. This year,the RSV seasonhas startedlater than usual."

Theinstitute advisescommunitiestoreduce the spreadofflu andRSV by washinghands often, coveringcoughsand sneezes with elbows or tissues, avoiding contact with people who aresick, andstaying at home when feeling unwell.

Ncata's strategic dgement, gserious Eastern Lieuetheleli

Mene whoretiredinFebruary 2025.

Ncata said he has abig responsibility ahead, but he is fitfor the purposeand ready to take it on. "I am ready to lead the men and women in blue, knowingour challengeswell."

DIARY|DAGBOEK

Healing Meeting: Thenexthealing meeting will take place on Saturday, 11 April at 10:00inHall4 of theWordofFaith ChristianCentreonthecornerofWilliamMoffettExpressway andLillyStreet,MangoldPark.All welcome,freeofcharge. Moedersdag Damestee: Bederf jou ma, ouma of tante met'nkaartjie na die Moedersdag Damestee watop9 Mei om 14:00byArabest op Despatch gaan plaasvind.Dit dien as fondsinameling tenbatevan 'n Kariega paartjie,Ian Rudman enEileenCronje,watalbeiin2025metkankergediagnoseeris. Die damestee gaan 'n Tjhokodemonstrasie,gasspreker,lekkereetgoed en stalletjiesinsluit.Kaartjiesisbeperkenbeloop R200 per persoon. Vir kaartjies, donasies, skenkings en meer inligting,kontak Lizette by 084 406 2123 of Karenby081 399 8521. Caritas ServiceCentre: Caritas welcomessenior citizens to become members and enjoyfriendlycompanionship,and makefriends.Meals areavailableonorder daily.Thetearoom is openevery second Fridayofthe month.Trigym,pilates and line dancing fitness sessions areheldMondays to Thursdays. Ablood pressure clinic is availablemonthly.Thereare also alibrary,artsand crafts,canasta,knitting groups andsocial outings.Thehall at 16 West Street,NewtonPark,is also available forweddingsand parties. Contact 066111 2497 Mondays to Fridays from 08:30 to 12:30

SendyourDiaryentriestoudexpress@novusmedia.co.za

EP Media en NovusMedia kan nie bevestig of enige van die geadverteerde dienste of produkte veilig is vir gebruik of die verlangdeuitwerking of resultaat sal hê nie. Lesers word gewaarsku om die adverteerder se getuigskrifte deeglik te oorweeg en na te gaan.

EP Media en Novus Media aanvaar hoegenaamd geen aanspreeklikheid ten opsigte van enige van die geadverteerde dienste of goedere nie.

5X1DISCLAI-KG211124

WANTEDTOBUY 1675

Filmshowcaseaimstoturnlocal talentintoindustryprofessionals

ACOMMUNITY-based skills developmentinitiative focused on film and performancewill take place in Kariega this weekend, withorganisersoutliningits impactand long-term vision.

The programme, titled The Showcase, is scheduled forFriday and Saturday, 10 and 11 April 2026, at the LoveLife Centre in KwaNobuhle. It aims to identify, upskill and present local talent through film screenings, performances and training sessions Director of the Eastern Cape FilmFestival, Nceba Mqolomba, saidthe initiative builds on previous training programmes that havealready produced measurable outcomes

“Out of the 250 beneficiaries, most of them are still working,” he said.

“The second film that we are screening has amix of castand crew memberswho have gone on to do theirown successful productions.”

Mqolomba said participants have entered various roles within the industry, including directing, assistant directing, scriptwriting, sound,camera, make-up, wardrobe and location management.

“The aim of the programme was to create localcrews who would collaborate on producing local content, and that is already happening,” he said.

The event is supported by the LoveLife Centre,the Nelson Mandela Film Forum and the DepartmentofSocial Development

What to expect Friday’s programme, from

17:00 to 20:00, will include music and comedy performances, film screenings,question-and-answer sessions with cast and crew, and stakeholder presentations.

Saturday’s programme, from 10:00to14:00, willfocus on skills development,including workshops,stakeholder presentations and networking sessions. The Department of Social Development will present, while Mqolomba will outline trainingneedsand development strategies.

Performers scheduled include musician Ntlahla Nyiki and comedian Siyabulela “Bhut Cya” Betsha

Addressing sustainability, Mqolomba saidthe initiative is designed to evolve beyonda once-off event

“Withthe support of the community and business sector,this can become self-sustainable,” he said. “Asthe sessions grow,they will evolve into paying shows to cover costsand bring partners on board.”

He added that while the longterm plan includes charging entrance fees for screenings and performances, consistency will be key to building support.

“Itwill take time, butRome was not built in aday,” he said.

Mqolombasaid access remains apriority, with sessions kept free and hosted in accessible locations.

“We prefer tohost at the LoveLife Centre in KwaNobuhle because it is accessible. Sometimes even taxi farecan derail someone’s vision,” he said

He added that opportunities are shared widely, with afocus on reaching local communities.

Beyond training, the initiative aims to create pathwaysinto the industry through continued development and production opportunities.

“Through these sessions, we aim to uncover talent and nurture it over afew months, with the ultimate goal being afinished production,” he said.

Mqolomba said the Showcase will serve as arecurring platformconnecting participants with stakeholders who can supporttheir development.

Positioning Eastern Cape talent on abroader stageisalso akey objective.

“The showcase is meant to find, nurture and expose talent to the national market, then Africaand the rest of the world,” Mqolomba added.

He noted that locally produced films havealready been screened at international festivals, including the Durban International Film Festival and the Zanzibar International Film Festival, giving cast and crew exposureand material to supportfunding applications.

“Fortunately, the internet means we can be international while still at home,” he said.

The Showcase builds on earlier initiatives, including a2023 scriptwriting programme and the #EC10 film project, which collectively trained hundreds of participants and created over 300 job opportunities.

Organisers say the platform will continue beyond the launch weekend,with regular sessions aimed at developing skills, showcasing talent and strengthening the local creative industry

CMRcelebratesSocialWorkersDay

Toyota sharpens its Corolla line-up

TOYOTA South Africa Motors (TSAM) has streamlined its Corolla hatchback and sedan offerings as part of aplanned line-up rationalisation aligned to evolving market demand and customer preferences.

Effectiveimmediately, both the Corolla Hatchback and Corolla Sedan will be offered in a single, high-specification derivative: the1.8-litre Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) XR grade.

As part of this transition, the XS HEVderivatives and XR 2.0-litre internal combustion engine (ICE) models have been discontinued

This move reflectsdeclining demand in thetraditional sedanand hatchback segments, alongside abroader industry and consumer shift towards electrified mobility solutions.

By consolidating therange around theproven 1.8-litre HEVXR, Toyotareinforces its commitment to efficiency, reduced emissions and future-focused powertrains, while continuing to offer thequality, durability, reliability (QDR) and value synonymous with the Corolla name.

TheCorolla nameplateboasts one of the most storied histories in theglobal automotive industry

Nowinits 12th generation, the Corolla has surpassed 50 million units soldglobally, making it one of thebest-selling vehiclenameplates of all time.

First introduced in 1966 as a compact citycar, Corolla has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of customers and marketsaround the world.

Originally established as a sedan, theCorolla range has expanded over theyears to include multiplebody styles in response to market trends. In South Africa, this evolutionsaw theintroduction of theCorolla Hatchback in 2018 (replacing predecessors such as Conquest,RUN Xand Auris), followed by thehighly successful Corolla Cross SUV in 2021.

The Corolla Cross further strengthened thenameplate’s local success, bagging an impressive array of trophies at the2022 South African Car of theYear Awards, including theprestigious South African Car of theYear title, as well as winsinthe Compact Family Category and theNew Energy Category for thehybrid variant Corolla’s local legacy is further reinforced by its award-winning pedigree.

The first front-wheel-drive Corolla,introduced in 1984, went on to secure theinaugural South African GuildofMotoring Journalists’ Car of the Year titlein1986. Just three years later, thenameplaterepeated this achievement,with theGLi Twin Cam 16 Executivecrowned Car of theYear in 1989.

Today, theCorolla nameplate continues to span multiplesegments, from thetrack-ready GR Corolla performance hatch to thefamily-oriented Corolla Cross, whilethe streamlined Corolla Hatchback and Sedan ranges now underscore Toyota’s strategic focus on hybrid technology and sustainable mobility.