Minister Didiza donates sanitisers worth millions to the Department of Basic Education
The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza, today (31 August 2020) made a donation of 10 000 litres of sanitisers worth R1,3 million to the Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga, at the Onderstepoort Biological Product (OBP) centre in Onderstepoort, Pretoria, in time for the reopening of schools.
The department, through the Onderstepoort Biological Product (OBP), produces 70% alcohol-based sanitiser onsite, and has committed itself to play a vital role in combating the spread of COVID-19.
Handing over the sanitisers, Minister Didiza said that as the country continues to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative for each and every individual to play a part and assist in any way possible.
According to the minister, the sanitisers will be distributed to South African schools in need around the country and they will go a long way in curbing the spread of COVID-19.
The donation of sanitisers forms part of the minister’s initiative to provide leaners and teachers with necessary protection in a bid to play a part in curbing the spread of the virus.
Upon receiving the sanitisers, the Minister Motshekga thanked Minister Didiza for her good gesture. She said the sanitisers will go a long way in keeping the schools’ communities safe from the Covid-19 pandemic. “Our aim is to ensure that we protect wellbeing of the teachers and the leaners,” said Minister Motshega.
“Sadly, we have 78 teachers who lost their lives because of this pandemic that’s why is of paramount important that safety if maintain in our schools,” she continued.
Minister Motshekga also indicated that it was not good for the country to keep allow to stay long at home because it breeds unintended result such teenage pregnancies. “The minds of our pupils always need to be kept engaged. Keeping them at schools is the same as keeping them from doing other criminal activities”.
“For us, sanitisers are like water, we need them. We are committed in the future of country which is in our pupils,” concluded the minister.
In his opening address, the CEO of OBP, Dr Baptiste Dungu, said; “Together with the Board, we saw it important to contribute as a company, and join the fight against the disease”.
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