President Cyril Ramaphosa today received on behalf of the government a R1 billion consignment of critical personal protective equipment (PPE) donated by global internet group Naspers South Africa.
Ramaphosa received the equipment at Takealot’s Distribution Centre in Johannesburg.
“Today we received over 6 million masks donated from Naspers. I’m impressed by the logistical infrastructure and orderly distribution of these important medical supplies. We are grateful for their co-operation and support”, said President Ramaphosa
Naspers announced today the arrival of a major shipment of personal protective equipment (PPE) consisting of almost 3,5 million KN95 face masks and 2,7 million 3-ply surgical masks to support healthcare workers across South Africa.
The company has arranged a further delivery scheduled to arrive on 2 May, bringing its PPE relief aid to more than 13 million PPE units after the company made its R 1.5 billion commitment to provide emergency aid to the country.
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, South Africa CEO, Naspers, said: “We are working round the clock to deliver on our promise to South Africa as fast as possible. As the shipments arrive, they are being rapidly distributed to hospitals across the country.”
The Naspers donation is a significant contribution to healthcare and to the partnership between government, the private sector and civil society at large in the fight against COVID-19.
“We are pleased to have secured the critical PPE at great speed through our China partnerships and with the support of our colleagues at Tencent”, added Bob van Dijk, Naspers Group CEO.
