PRESS STATEMENT
Bryanston, 3 December 2018
Tiger Brands announced today that the certification of the Class Action brought against it on behalf of various classes of claimants, was granted by the High Court in Johannesburg. This follows the company’s recent announcement that its legal representatives had been working closely with the attorneys for the claimants in the Class Action to agree the terms of a court order for the certification.
The two Class Actions have combined into a single certification application. The draft court order, as settled between the legal representatives of both sides, was presented to the Deputy Judge President Mojapelo, who certified the Class Action today.
“We have committed to acting with honesty and integrity throughout this process and are therefore working closely with the attorneys for the claimants to expedite this matter,” says Mary Jane Morifi, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Tiger Brands. This includes sharing the costs associated with a communication campaign across the country.
Notice of the Class Action will be sent out through adverts on radio and in newspapers, postings on social media and via the websites of Tiger Brands and the Class Action attorneys. Further, notices will be sent to health practitioners.
Tiger Brands reiterates that no liability has been established against the company for the listeriosis outbreak, however should liability be determined, the company will respond appropriately to any legitimate claims.
“We are supporting this notice process to ensure that any individuals who believe they have a legitimate claim can be informed of the Class Action. We are committed to ensuring that the legal process runs smoothly and as quickly as possible. In managing the application for the certification of the Class Action in this manner, we have been able to substantially shorten the time taken for this part of the legal process,” says Morifi.
According to Richard Spoor who is leading the Class Action against Tiger Brands, “we applaud Tiger Brands for the ongoing collaboration and willingness to move this process forward. The process to manage a Class Action can take several years, and this support from the company is noteworthy in reaching a conclusion faster.”
Morifi added, “we acknowledge that the listeriosis outbreak has affected all South Africans. Our thoughts remain with all those who have been victims of the disease and with those who have lost loved ones. We remain committed to following the legal process on this matter so that we can bring closure to all parties as soon as possible.”
[Ends]
