Covid-19: Motsepe Foundation along with various companies pledge R1 billion
The organisations will work with ministers and MECs to identify where support is needed.
The Motsepe family in partnership with companies and organisations that they are associated with have pledged R1 billion to assist with the current coronavirus pandemic and its related challenges that are confronting South Africa and the African continent.
Some of the companies assisting include Sanlam, African Rainbow Capital, African Rainbow Minerals and others.
The founder and chairman of the Motsepe Foundation, Dr Patrice Motsepe said, “Several hundred million rands will immediately be made available with the primary objective of saving lives and slowing and restraining the spread of the coronavirus. We are purchasing sanitisers, disinfectants, personal protective equipment (PPE) and are in discussions with government, health workers and other stakeholders to assist with acquiring other equipment and making resources available which are essential for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.”
Motsepe said they will also be providing water to poor rural and urban communities by purchasing water tanks, building sanitary facilities and drilling for boreholes. Motsepe said, “We are committed to contribute to the provision of quality education, infrastructure and other facilities to better prepare and equip them to deal with future pandemics or catastrophes.”
CEO of Sanlam Ian Kirk said, “We believe these efforts will make a meaningful contribution not only towards fighting the coronavirus but also in developing the long-term sustainability of South Africans, particularly in poor and rural areas. Periods of profound uncertainty like these call for us to come together to support all the prudent actions that contain the scourge of this virus and its impact on our already fragile economy.”
Dr Johan van Zyl, the CEO of Arc, added, “As a nation, we are in unchartered waters in terms of the scale and danger that the Covid-19 pandemic presents to South Africans. It is now time for each and every one of us to demonstrate leadership and help.”
The organisations have been in contact with various ministers and MEC’s to identify specific initiatives and projects where they can assist.
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