Nearly 24 000 cups of tea donated

To keep Gauteng’s army of healthcare workers fighting the pandemic on the frontlines healthy and hydrated, the Rooibos industry has donated 23 960 cups of Rooibos tea to designated Covid-19 hospitals in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council (SARC) said dedicated doctors, nurses and other medical staff are bearing the brunt as they risk their lives to care for Covid-19 patients.

“Hospitals are filling up every day and frontline staff are working long hours to battle the virus day and night. Many of them are exhausted, both physically and mentally, and even have scars from wearing protective devices, but they keep soldiering on. Now more than ever, we want to show our gratitude by supplying them with a steady stream of Rooibos tea to remind them that we care.”

Among the hospitals in Johannesburg and Pretoria that will benefit from the donation are Charlotte Maxeke and Steve Biko Hospitals. Hospitals in Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal have also been gifted with 54 000 cups of Rooibos tea to boost staff morale countrywide.

Dr Mathabo Mathebula, CEO of Steve Biko Hospital, said the Rooibos tea donation has kept the spirits of frontline workers up in a time of chaos and that it is much appreciated.

Du Toit said staying hydrated is an essential part of overall wellness for everyone, but for doctors and nurses with high-intensity work shifts, it is even more critical.

“Drinking Rooibos will also reduce the likelihood of headaches and fatigue, which are common when opting for coffee or energy drinks that contain caffeine. Rooibos has been proved to fight stress, by lowering the stress hormone, cortisol, which will help health workers cope and is packed with antioxidants, that sustains a healthy immune system. Other health benefits include reducing the risk of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis, which both play a role in the development of heart disease.

“It’s humbling to think that there are literally millions of medical staff around the world right now that are putting their lives on the line, often with limited resources. The donation is our way of showing appreciating and saying thank you for going beyond caring for patients during the pandemic. You are our true national heroes?”