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OVER
16 300
SUBSCRIBERS
www.autolive.co.za 6 August 2020
Volkswagen Special Edition
VWSA committed
Page 3
First phase of medical facility
handed over
to fight against
Page 6
Working together to make
masks and medical equipment
Covid-19
Page 8
Bringing relief to local NGOs
and schools
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Editor and Advertising Manager
Liana Reiners
Message from
liana@autolive.co.za
083 407 4600
VWSA Chairman and MD
Advertising Sales None of us could have been pre- Mamisa Chabula-Nxiweni Field
pared for the Covid-19 pandemic Hospital. This project is the
Liana Reiners
when it spread to South Africa. result of a collaboration between
liana@autolive.co.za The rapidly spreading virus VWSA, the Nelson Mandela Bay
083 407 4600 demanded nothing less than com- Business Chamber, the Eastern
mitment, solidarity and strength Cape Department of Health, the
from those who had the daunting Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality,
Address task of preparing our country for and the German government. It is
237 Rigel Avenue this crisis. our belief that this facility, which
In the months since the first could accommodate up to 3 300
Waterkloof Ridge
case of Covid-19 was reported patients once fully complete, will
Pretoria in South Africa, Volkswagen provide much-needed care to the
PO Box 914 005 Group South Africa (VWSA) has citizens of the Bay and surround- Thomas Schaefer, VWSA Chairman
heeded this call. As a respon- ing areas. and MD.
Wingate Park
sible corporate citizen we have Though we as a country and
0153 assisted through many projects as the local community may not Africa and Germany, the Business
012 460 4448 in equipping the metro, the local have been ready at the start of Chamber, and other stakehold-
Department of Health and other this crisis, I am immeasurably ers to help the metro to provide
stakeholders to protect the com- proud of the strength, innovation care for those diagnosed with
Website munities of Nelson Mandela Bay and compassion that has become Covid-19. We are grateful to each
www.autolive.co.za and beyond. evident in the past few months. stakeholder who has played a
The flagship project from Solidarity is crucial in this time, part in making these challenging
these efforts is the conversion because this pandemic is a threat times a little easier and safer for
Facebook
of VWSA’s former Port Elizabeth to all communities. the community.
plant in Neave, which is now As VWSA, we continue to
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called the Rev. Dr Elizabeth engage with government in South Thomas Schaefer
© 2020 WCM Media CC
Message from the Director for
Corporate and Government Affairs
Production
Marketing Support Services
Danie Dreyer
danie@marketingss.co.za
+27 (0)12 346 2168 Last year, the Volkswagen could not turn a blind eye to the Cape, Free State and North West
Community Trust celebrated 30 need created and exacerbated provinces with 80 000 meals
years of investing in the com- by Covid-19. provided to needy families. The
Layout munities of South Africa and their In the past few months, we Community Trust also handed over
Marketing Support Services
futures. The Trust has spent these have assisted wherever possible a further R340 000 to organisa-
three decades bringing hope to in protecting those around us. We tions that feed and care for those
Bonita Tuson
the communities in which VWSA have supported nonprofit organi- in need. Furthermore, we have
operates, with a strong focus on sations and schools in the Eastern supplied over 16 000 protective
Disclaimer empowerment through improving face masks to adults and children
literacy and youth development. in Nelson Mandela Bay to protect
While reasonable precautions have Now more than ever, it is ap- them in their daily lives.
been taken to ensure the accuracy
parent just how crucial it is for the Each of us have a responsibil-
private sector to invest in better- ity to be a part of the fight against
of the advice and information given
ing lives. The Covid-19 pandemic Covid-19 – and I am proud to say
to readers, neither the editor, the affects all of us, but those who are this is a responsibility that VWSA
proprietors, nor the publishers hit the hardest are the communi- has taken to heart. It is my hope
ties who were already in need that we can continue to make a
can accept any responsibility
before this crisis. Nonkqubela Maliza, VWSA difference in the time of Covid-19.
for any damages or injury which As a socially responsible Corporate and Government
may arise therefrom. corporate citizen, we as VWSA Affairs director. Nonkqubela Maliza
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Volkswagen hands over Covid-19
temporary medical facility
Seven weeks after the initial announcement
of the company’s plans to provide a tempo-
rary medical facility for Covid-19 patients,
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) handed
over the first phase of this project to the
Eastern Cape Department of Health on 23 June.
VWSA announced on 5 May that they would
make their former Port Elizabeth plant, situated
in Neave, available as an overflow facility to
provide care for those diagnosed with Covid-19.
With funding from the German Federal Ministry
for Economic Cooperation and Development
(BMZ), VWSA has since completed the first
phase of equipping this facility, which can now
accommodate 1 485 patients including high-
acuity patients who require oxygenation.
The conversion of this 66 000m² building
is the result of collaboration between VWSA,
Eastern Cape Department of Health, Nelson From left to right: Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, Rev. Dr Elizabeth Mamisa Chabula-Nxiweni,
Mandela Bay Municipality and the Nelson for whom the field hospital is named, Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize, VWSA Chairman and Managing
Mandela Bay Business Chamber. BMZ pro- Director Thomas Schaefer, Eastern Cape MEC of Health Sindiswa Gomba, and Nelson Mandela Bay
vided funding of R100 million. A performance Business Chamber CEO Nomkhita Mona.
framework for the project was developed by
the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale crucial as it will ultimately allow us to curb was also a Presbyterian minister, a former
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The Business the spread of the virus. It is our hope that the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Health Chief
Chamber assisted in facilitating the project, support we offer to the NHLS will enable them and a pioneer in caring for young initiates
while the Department of Health will be respon- to perform their potentially life-saving duties who have suffered as a result of unsafe
sible for running the facility, with support from more effectively. I am very grateful to the circumcision practices.
the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. German government for making both these Sadly, Dr Chabula-Nxiweni passed away on
Aside from managing the process of equip- projects possible and helping us to protect 23 July, exactly one month after the opening of
ping the facility, VWSA contributed R25 million our community.” the field hospital.
for the facility, as well as the procurement of “This is an honour to one of our bright-
protective gear for staff at regional tertiary est medical minds with a heart of gold and a
hospitals, regional Primary Care Clinics and
“We all must realise that we either spirit to serve our people. With this honour,
Covid-19 test centres. beat Covid-19 worldwide or not at we thank her for her service to our people,”
R4 million of this funding has been used to all.” – Dr Gerd Müller, the German commented Mabuyane.
support the National Health Laboratory Service Minister for Economic Cooperation Mabuyane said the provincial government
(NHLS) branch in Port Elizabeth, which is would provide healthcare workers to work at
responsible for the majority of Covid-19 testing
and Development the new field hospital and its pharmacy. “The
in the metro. German government and VWSA have shown
“We have learned that collaboration is key The Premier of the Eastern Cape, Lubabalo their good hearts in answering this call for
when facing an unprecedented threat such as Mabuyane, welcomed the completion of the international solidarity.”
Covid-19,” said Thomas Schaefer, Chairman and field hospital. “The intervention by Volkswagen “We appreciate the humanitarian gesture
Managing Director of VWSA. “This pandemic Group South Africa and the German govern- by the donors. It is a responsible investment.
requires us to act decisively and with speed. ment, to invest in the establishment of this field We are in this campaign to save lives.”
VWSA has answered this call by completing hospital, came at the right time as more people Dr Gerd Müller, the German Minister for
and delivering phase 1 of the medical facility at in our province are infected by Covid-19,” Economic Cooperation and Development,
the time when it is desperately needed by our said Mabuyane. commented: “I am pleased that the temporary
Metro which is currently experiencing an alarm- Mabuyane revealed that the hospital hospital in Port Elizabeth has opened. Working
ing increase of infections. We are honoured to would be named the Rev. Dr Elizabeth Mamisa together with Volkswagen South Africa, we
be able to provide this facility so our communi- Chabula-Nxiweni Field Hospital. This name have managed in just seven weeks to convert a
ties can receive the care they need during this was chosen in honour of Rev. Dr Chabula- factory that was not being used into a facility
difficult period of our lifetime. Nxiweni, a retired Port Elizabeth doctor and for Covid-19 patients. We all must realise that
“The testing process in the Metro needs to vocal advocate for safe circumcision during we either beat Covid-19 worldwide or not
be optimised to enable tracing. This remains initiation ceremonies. Dr Chabula-Nxiweni at all.”
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Volkswagen Covid-19 initiatives in Photos ...
The MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism,
Mlungisi Mvoko, visited the Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) plant in
Uitenhage on Friday 29 May. On the left (from front): Mlungisi Mvoko, Weza
From left to right: VWSA Chairman and Managing Director Thomas Schaefer,
Moss, Board Chairman of the AIDC Eastern Cape, Junior Lechaba, Head of
VWSA’s Manfred Gie and Bernd Schaberg, who were closely involved in the
Final Assembly at VWSA, and Wolfgang Ropertz, Board Chairman of the
PE plant conversion project, Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize and Eastern
Eastern Cape Automotive Industry Forum (ECAIF). On the right (from front):
Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, on a tour of the new field hospital.
VWSA’s Chairman and Managing Director Thomas Schaefer, HR Director
Thabo Nkoane and Ashwin Harri, Head of Vehicle Manufacture.
The late Rev. Dr Elizabeth Mamisa Chabula-Nxiweni, the Port Elizabeth doctor for whom the new Covid-19 field hospital at Volkswagen’s former PE plant
is named.
To advertise in contact
Liana Reiners on 083 407 4600 or email on liana@autolive.co.za
Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 5 The interior of the field hospital, which can accommodate 1 485 patients, including those who require oxygen. Beds delivered to the field hospital during the construction process. Signage used at the VWSA plant in Uitenhage to indicate new physical distancing and hygiene measures when employees returned to work on 4 May.
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VWSA doing its part in fight against Covid-19
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) “We are continuously investigating ways in
focused its time and attention during the which VWSA can offer support to the Nelson
lockdown in March and April on the design and Mandela Bay Metro in this time of crisis. We
manufacture of masks and medical equipment, have been working together as business under
which are crucial in protecting South African the lead of the Business Chamber in assisting
citizens from the virus. Dr Black and his team with everything we
VWSA partnered with Gusco, which was can from engineering to logistics. It is very
previously a beneficiary of the company’s important for all the key stakeholders in the
Community Trust, to produce soft fabric face Metro to collaborate in order to flatten the
masks aimed at reducing the spread of the curve of the infections whilst protecting the
Covid-19 virus. Following a successful trial this collaboration, VWSA was also part of the lives of our most vulnerable citizens,” said
batch, production of these masks began in National Government Task Force team working Thomas Schaefer, Volkswagen Group South
April. To date, over 24 000 masks for adults and on medical equipment such as ventilators. Africa Chairman and Managing Director.
children have been sewn and donated in the The company’s Research and Development
Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. team used 3D printing technology to produce
parts for a mechanical ventilator which will be The company’s Research and
produced at the Uitenhage plant when the need Development team used 3D printing
To date, over 24 000 masks for
arises. The ventilator is based on an open-
adults and children have been sewn technology to produce parts for a
source design produced by Seat in Spain.
and donated in the Nelson Mandela “We worked with Dr John Black, who mechanical ventilator which will be
Bay Metro. is the lead medical advisor on Covid-19 in produced at the Uitenhage plant
Nelson Mandela Bay, Dr Adrian Wentzel, when the need arises.
a local anaesthetist, and Quinton Uren of
The idea to produce face masks stemmed Jendamark Automation” said Joost Kessels,
from the national and global shortage of Head of Technical Engineering at VWSA. “Our Schaefer added: “VWSA is made up of
protective masks. Legal team is in the process of obtaining the employees with diverse talents and qualifica-
VWSA’s engineers were part of an inter- medical release from South African Health tions. We have made these skills available to
national Volkswagen Group team pioneering Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) the country and the Metro to contribute to the
possible ways in which the company can which we need before we can commence with fight against Covid-19.”
assist during the global crisis. In addition to mass production.”
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VWSA implements 100-point plan to prepare workplace
Following a gradual ramp-up of its local 20 tons of hand sanitiser
production, the Volkswagen Group South have been sourced for all
Africa (VWSA) plant in Uitenhage resumed its VWSA sites.
manufacturing operations early in May 2020. “Our essential services
In line with the regulations pertaining to team ensured that the
Level 4 of lockdown, VWSA production was workplace was Covid-19
restarted with essential employees returning to compliant before we
work in a phased approach. The company has officially restarted produc-
since started exporting Polos to various mar- tion in Uitenhage,” said
kets, in addition to manufacturing Polos and Jens Bruecker, Production
Vivos for the local market. On-site employees Director at VWSA. “Our
are supported by colleagues who continue to 100-point plan is designed Employees were welcomed back on their first day with engagement
work from home where this is possible. to ensure that all employ- sessions to inform them of all new measures and protocols in the plant.
Prior to the gradual ramp-up of production, ees feel safe and good
a number of measures to combat Covid-19 were about their workplace, so we can manufacture assistance in lobbying with government
put in place at all VWSA sites. These measures and deliver vehicles without compromis- for the automotive industry to be allowed
form part of a 100-point plan implemented ing our commitment to the wellbeing of to reopen during Level 4 lockdown. “The
across the Volkswagen Group to ensure the our employees.” automotive industry has a crucial role to
health and safety of employees. The plant’s “When the dealerships were allowed to play in the local and national economy,” said
on-site Wellness Centre has been equipped and reopen on a phased basis, VWSA was again able Schaefer. “We were grateful that this role was
its staff continues to consult with high-risk em- to meet the needs of its loyal local customer acknowledged with the decision to let the
ployees to ensure their wellbeing is prioritised. base,” said Mike Glendinning, VWSA’s Sales and industry operate and trade again during Level
Upon their return to work, employees Marketing Director. “Our team worked remotely 4 lockdown.”
were informed of the new protocols through during the lockdown to support dealerships in “In many aspects, the Covid-19 crisis has
employee orientation sessions, a detailed preparing to reopen, and to assist customers eclipsed our daily lives. As such, it must be our
booklet and extensive signage installed at all through our Customer Interaction Centre. In main priority at VWSA to act responsibly in
sites and areas. Returning employees were addition, VW Commercial Vehicle dealerships every aspect of our business – and this includes,
further informed regarding hygiene and remained open over the lockdown period to first and foremost, to ensure that our employ-
physical distancing practices that can further service vehicles for essential services.” ees can work without risking their health. We
protect them. The company also provided VWSA’s Chairman and Managing Director, will continue our extensive efforts to fulfil this
each employee with a set of masks and over Thomas Schaefer, thanked NAAMSA for its duty,” Schaefer concluded.
On the frontline: How VWSA’S Wellness Centre prepared for Covid-19
Given that the Wellness Centre is the first point “Even before the lockdown, we procured
of contact for any VWSA employee when it sanitisers and disinfectants, and everyone
comes to Covid-19, it was essential that the keeps their own workspace clean. All touch-
Centre – under the leadership of company points and high-traffic areas must be cleaned
doctor Dr Fikiswa Ngonyama – was equipped every 3 to 4 hours and after every shift
for these new Covid-19 duties. change. When we consult with someone who
“We always try to benchmark from other suspects they have Covid-19, our Wellness
institutions, such as private doctors or other employees have to wear a cap, safety goggles,
medical centres,” said Dr Ngonyama. “There medical masks and face shields, gowns and
were checklists for facility readiness from shoe covers.”
the NICD and the Department of Health, Some members of the Wellness Centre team The Centre also assists employees who
and though we are a private facility we at VWSA, who provide care for suspected and are affected in terms of mental health by the
wanted to match those standards as well. confirmed Covid-19 cases among employees. pandemic. “We must make sure we all have
We engaged in discussions with our team an understanding of what we’re talking about
and HR, and then we created a work package on a booking system and we’ve imposed a when we answer questions on Covid-19. There
of our own where we listed all the activities limit of 20 people. All our staff members were has been a lot of communication and informa-
that needed to be done and we allocated expected to return to work, as we see ourselves tion made available in the company, but people
responsibilities accordingly.” as frontline workers. We had to make a lot of want answers to their individual questions.
This included several new measures adjustments to allow for physical distancing. Careways has also been available to assist with
to protect both patients and employees When employees come in we also ensure they this; we consult with them on how to approach
of the Wellness Centre. “We have to work are wearing their masks correctly. cases and allay people’s fears.”
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VWSA brings relief to local NGOs and schools during Covid-19 crisis
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has Vuba Primary School and James Ntungwana The handover forms part of VWSA’s
made various donations in support of schools Primary School. The Community Trust has ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19 in the
and NGOs in the metro to alleviate the negative worked closely with these KwaNobuhle Metro. VWSA has been working closely with
impact of Covid-19 on the communities of schools in the past in establishing literacy government, the Nelson Mandela Bay Business
Nelson Mandela Bay. centres at the schools. The meals, which were Chamber and other businesses to bolster medi-
Through the Volkswagen Community packed by Rise Against Hunger, were given to cal care in the metro.
Trust, the company handed over a total of parents of Grade R learners at these schools. “VWSA is part of the greater community
R340 000 on Friday 29 May to Masifunde, A further 30 000 meals were handed over to of Nelson Mandela Bay. The plight caused by
United Through Sport, Ubomi Obutsha Centre non-profit organisations in North West and the Covid-19 pandemic to our community
and the Thand’usana Babies Centre. These Free State. is also our plight,” said VWSA Chairman and
donations will be used by the various organisa- VWSA has also supplied close to 12 000 Managing Director Thomas Schaefer. “We
tions to supply food and vouchers to about 350 fabric face masks for adults and nearly have a responsibility to help our community
needy families, as well as funding the care of 5 000 face masks for children to the local where we can, whether it is through feeding
abandoned babies at Thand’usana. communities. The masks were manufactured by hungry families or strengthening the medical
In addition to this support, the Community Greater Uitenhage Sewing Cooperative (Gusco), care available in the Metro. It is a responsibility
Trust also provided 50 000 meals to a Uitenhage-based organisation that has that we have taken to heart, and we remain
Mngcunube Primary School, Noninzi Luzipho partnered with VWSA during the Covid-19 crisis committed to the continuous, coordinated fight
Primary School, Ntlemeza Primary School, to manufacture thousands of fabric masks. against Covid-19.”
From left to right: Vuyiswe Mlengwene (Vuba Primary School), Victor Jonas From left to right: Mark Lawler (Ubomi Obutsha Centre), Lorna Lamerton
(James Ntungwana Primary School), VWSA Chairman and Managing Director (Thand’usana Babies Home), Nondumiso Langa (Ubomi Obutsha Centre),
Thomas Schaefer, Dan Mavikela (Noninzi Luzipho Primary School), Volkswagen Volkswagen Community Trust manager Vernon Naidoo, VWSA Chairman and
Community Trust manager Vernon Naidoo, Andile Funani (Ntlemeza Managing Director Thomas Schaefer, Nosipho Xapile (United Through Sport),
Primary School), VWSA Head of Technical Engineering Dr Joost Kessels, and Jonas Schumacher (Masifunde Learner Development) and Nick Mould (United
Monwabisi Pepeta (Mngcunube Primary School). Through Sport).
VWSA donates beds to NMB stadium’s Covid-19 facility
In support of the local and provincial govern- bases. These beds were delivered and handed
ment’s efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 over to government by VWSA and the Nelson
in Nelson Mandela Bay, Volkswagen Group Mandela Bay Business Chamber on 1 May.
South Africa (VWSA) donated 150 beds to This donation is part of VWSA’s
the isolation facility at the Nelson Mandela continuous efforts to protect the com-
Bay Stadium. munities of Nelson Mandela Bay against the
The Nelson Mandela Bay stadium is used as Covid-19 pandemic. From left to right: Councillor Buyelwa Mafaya,
Speaker: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality,
an isolation facility for the low-acuity patients “VWSA remains committed to supporting
Wendy Dunywa, Facilities Champion: Eastern
who have been infected with Covid-19, to the Business Chamber and local government in
Cape Department of Health, Nomkhita Mona,
prevent them from spreading the virus further. their efforts to contain Covid-19 and save lives,” CEO: Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber,
The facility is managed by the Department of said Thomas Schaefer, Volkswagen Group South Councillor Thsonono Buyeye, Acting Executive
Health, with support from the Nelson Mandela Africa Chairman and Managing Director. “As Mayor: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality,
Bay Municipality. this pandemic is a threat to all communities, Dr John Black, Infectious Diseases Specialist:
VWSA was approached by the Department we cannot falter or fail to act. It is my hope Eastern Cape Department of Health, Thomas
of Health to assist in equipping the facility to that this donation will enable the Department Schaefer, Managing Director: Volkswagen Group
house more patients. The company answered and its brave healthcare workers to save many South Africa and Andrew Muir, President: Nelson
this call and sourced the required 150 bed more lives.” Mandela Bay Business Chamber.
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Volkswagen brings relief to healthcare
facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay
To better equip the healthcare facilities in Cooperation and Development (BMZ), which spreading further,” said Schaefer. “That is why
Nelson Mandela Bay in the fight against the committed R100 million to the project, it is absolutely crucial for the NHLS to have
Covid-19 pandemic, Volkswagen Group South implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft the capability to analyse tests and deliver
Africa (VWSA) has provided protective gear für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) results quickly.
to the provincial Department of Health for GmbH. R10 million of this funding was used for “As VWSA we are proud to be able to
frontline workers at healthcare institutions protective equipment. contribute our expertise and assist the NHLS in
across the metro. “Our frontline healthcare workers are in optimising their processes to reach this capac-
The personal protective equipment (PPE), dire need of the PPE in order to feel safe and be ity. We are also grateful to the German govern-
which was handed over to Department on 4 able to do their work, which is to provide care ment, who made these improvements possible.
August, includes: and save the lives of our people. It is our wish We will keep supporting those who lead the
■■ 50 000 N95 personalised masks that this PPE will bring relief and hope to our fight against Covid-19 wherever possible.”
■■ 65 000 disposable gowns healthcare workers who have been toiling un- The Premier of the Eastern Cape, Lubabalo
■■ 2 million latex and nitrile gloves der difficult circumstances to treat the Covid-19 Oscar Mabuyane, said the provincial govern-
■■ 1 000 visors patients,” said VWSA Chairman and Managing ment was grateful to VWSA for its continuous
Director Thomas Schaefer. contribution to the fight against Covid-19.
The PPE will be distributed to staff at the three Using R4 million of the funding from the “The donation of PPE and testing resources
main Covid-19 hospitals in the Metro, which are BMZ, VWSA also supported the National Health are giving us a shot in the arm as we continue
Dora Nginza Hospital, Livingstone Hospital and Laboratory Service (NHLS) branch in Port with saving the lives of our people,” said
Uitenhage Provincial Hospital, as well as other Elizabeth. This laboratory is responsible for the Mabuyane. “We appreciate the contribution
regional Primary Care Clinics and Covid-19 majority of Covid-19 testing in the metro, with by VWSA because they are contributing to
test centres. a current testing capacity of around 1 500 tests the work being done by the collective. As
VWSA also handed over 200 digital infrared per day. we are fighting this virus together, we will
thermometers, 150 portable finger-tip pulse VWSA assisted the NHLS by perform- continue to support many people to recover
oximeters and 40 stand-alone table top pulse ing extensive renovations to turn an open from infections.
oximeters, which are critical medical equip- office space into a fully-fledged Molecular “The impressive recovery numbers we are
ment for the assessment and treatment of Virology laboratory in the space of 18 days. seeing in the Eastern Cape are made possible
Covid-19 patients. The company also analysed and recommended by contributions from companies like VWSA,
VWSA procured the protective equipment improvements to the NHLS’s testing processes the health workers in our health system, and
as part of their greater project to convert to increase efficiency. With a full staff comple- members of the public who comply with the
its former Port Elizabeth plant into the Rev. ment, these improvements would increase Covid-19 precautions and prevention measures.
Dr Elizabeth Mamisa Chabula-Nxiweni Field the testing capacity to over 3 000 tests a day, We must continue fighting the virus by protect-
Hospital. The first phase of this hospital for thereby more than doubling the current daily ing each other. This investment will benefit the
Covid-19 patients was handed over to the testing capacity. health workers who are on the frontline against
Department on 23 June. Funding for both the “We need to be able to trace the spread this pandemic and will help bolster our testing
hospital and the protective equipment was of the Covid-19 pandemic to fight it–the capabilities, so that we can provide healthcare
provided by the Federal Ministry for Economic faster we act, the better we can keep it from to those who need it after testing positive.”
From left: Jens Bruecker, VWSA Director of Production and Logistics, Eastern
Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, VWSA Chairman and Managing Director
Thomas Schaefer, and VWSA’s Strategic Plant Development Manager
Manfred Gie, who was instrumental in the work done for the NHLS.
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