INVITATION TO ATTEND THE HANDING OVER OF THREE MOBILE TESTING UNITS TO THE NATIONAL HEALTH LABORATORY SERVICES

MEDIA STATEMENT

Date:               10 December 2020

Embargo:       None

Subject:          INVITATION TO ATTEND THE HANDING OVER OF THREE MOBILE TESTING UNITS TO THE NATIONAL HEALTH LABORATORY SERVICES

The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) in partnership with ABSA, will hand-over three mobile testing units to the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) on 10 December 2020.

Venue:   CEOBoard Room
NHLS Corporate Offices
No 1 Modderfontein Road, Sandringham

Date:     10 December 2020

Time:    13:00 – 14:00.

The SARCS is an auxiliary organisation to the Government of South Africa, enacted by Act No 10 of 2007 to compliment Government on disaster management, provision of social services and health and care. To this end, the SARCS has procured three mobile testing units with the kind donation from ABSA to assist the NHLS in hot spot areas.

Since the start of the pandemic, the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) has been actively involved in the following activities:  screening, contact tracing and testing, risk communication campaigns, hygiene promotions, the provisioning of hot meals and the distribution of food parcels & hygiene packs to the vulnerable groups.

“In order to provide holistic support to Government, the SARCS saw the need to increase Government’s COVID-19 testing capacity, especially now since the Minister of Health confirmed the second wave”, says Ms Mabel Koketso, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the SARCS.

The NHLS will use the mobile testing units to test community members in the hot spot areas across the country. Mobile units used for sampling and testing the individuals presenting symptoms in the identified priority districts.  The units ensure that the Government reaches a high number of people that need to be tested. The mobile units can also reach the remote areas in the country that are presenting high cases of COVID-19.

Chairperson of the NHLS Board Prof Eric Buch is delighted by SARCS generosity and support. “On behalf of the NHLS Board and executive, I want to thank you for helping us make a positive difference. Your support encourages our continued commitment in the fight again this pandemic.”

Prof Buch adds that this donation will go a long way in sustaining NHLS efforts to provide services to the less privileged during this greatest time of need. “Our mobile laboratory strategy was put in place to increase the number of samples taken and tested,” says Prof Buch.

The NHLS proactively acquired 60 mobile units, in addition to the seven it already had donated by the Global Fund, to increase accessibility for those who are referred for sampling. As such, 67 mobiles were deployed where the need has been greatest, ensuring that people do not have to travel distances to be sampled.

 

ENDS

Issued By:       The South African Red Cross Society
Enquiries:        Mr Fernel Campher
Mobile:            079 895 1994
E-mail:             fcampher@redcross.org.za
Web:                www.redcross.org.za

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/TheSARCS

Twitter:            @RedcrossSa

Instagram:       Southafricanredcross

 

STANDARD BANK UPSCALES ITS DONATION TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN RED CROSS SOCIETY IN THE MIDST OF THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK - 5 May 2020

MEDIA STATEMENT

 Date:               12 September 2020

Embargo:       None

Subject:          FIRST AID SAVES LIVES

On 12 September 2020, the South African Red Cross Society celebrates World First Aid Day together with all Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The day is celebrated to raise public awareness of how first aid can save lives in everyday situations and crises. This day is also celebrated to encouraging first aid training for all and raising awareness about the importance of first aid required in accidents. First aid training provides more than the knowledge and skills to respond effectively; it also provides the confidence to act when needed.

According to the World Health Organisation, 40 000 000 home accidents per day of children aged 0 to 6 and 90 million home accidents per year for all age categories [1].  During 2019 the SARCS provided First Aid Training to 12 000 people and a further 3000 people during the first quarter of 2020.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic does not eliminate the need for First Aid as people will continue to need First Aid Services, especially now that hospitals may be overwhelmed with patients.   The theme for World First Aid Day 2020 is “Adapting First Aid practices to the Pandemic”.

The need for First Aid was identified by Henry Dunant (Red Cross founder) who had seen the suffering and pain after the battle of Solferino on 24 June 1859. He then enlisted the civilian population and served the wounded, mainly women, girls irrespective of their role in the fight. With the necessary materials, he establishment makeshift hospitals and served them.

 

 

 

ENDS

Issued By:       The South African Red Cross Society

Enquiries:        Sarieta Schultz
Mobile:            083 266 1468

E-mail:             sschultz@redcross.org.za

Web:                www.redcross.org.za

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/TheSARCS

Twitter:            @RedcrossSa

Instagram:       Southafricanredcross

DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA HANDS OVER HEALTH MODULAR UNIT TO SEDIBENG DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

MEDIA STATEMENT

Date:               23 August 2020

Embargo:       None

Subject:          DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA HANDS OVER HEALTH MODULAR UNIT TO SEDIBENG DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Friday, 21 August saw the handing over of a Health Modular Unit with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Sedibeng District Municipality by the Development Bank of Southern Africa.  The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) in Vereeniging will be responsible for operating the testing and screening station.

Cllr. Busisiwe Modisakeng, Executive Mayor of the Sedibeng District Municipality, said that the infection rate in Sedibeng is fast increasing and is currently just above 13 000 positive cases, Emfuleni local municipality having the highest infection rate. The handing over of the Health Modular Unit marks a new road against the battle against COVID-19 infections and transmissions.  She acknowledged the support from the SARCS to serve and protect our communities.

The DBSA recognises the moral reason to stand with Southern Africa during this pandemic.  As Mr Tshoene Ramhele, Group Executive of the DBSA rightly noted: “COVID-19 disrupts of lives and livelihoods.  For this reason, the DBSA put forth financial resources to increase the Government’s testing capabilities.”  The Health Modular Unit is one of such interventions.

Disaster Manager of the SARCS, Lwando Zandile, remarked that “We are an auxiliary organisation of the South African Government enacted by Act No 10 of 2007.  It is our goal to alleviate human suffering in communities. Therefore, it is understandable that when the Sedibeng District Municipality experienced a gap in testing and contact tracing capabilities, the Vereeniging branch under the leadership of Princess Hewana, stepped-up and started delivering services to the Sedibeng community”.  Mr Zandile thanked the DBSA for their role in ending the suffering in our communities, and the SARCS welcomes a long partnership with the DBSA.

 

ENDS

Issued By:       The South African Red Cross Society

Enquiries:        Sarieta Schultz

Mobile:            083 266 1468

E-mail:             sschultz@redcross.org.za

BMW GROUP LOANS VEHICLES TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN RED CROSS FOR USE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC - 13 May 2020

MEDIA STATEMENT

 

Date:                      Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Embargo:              None

Subject:                 BMW GROUP LOANS VEHICLES TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN RED CROSS FOR USE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

 

BMW Group is loaning 17 vehicles to the South African Red Cross Society for use during the COVID-19 Pandemic. These vehicles come at a crucial stage when the SARCS is required to reach people that live in historically underdeveloped areas and that are far from health services. The cars will be deployed to all nine provinces to enable the SARCS to execute its mandate of public awareness, hygiene promotion, risk communication, media relations, screening and contact tracing as well distribution of hot meals to the vulnerable groups.

To date, the SARCS has trained 2 094 volunteers, conducted contact tracing involving 403 709 individuals and are assisting the Department of Health in their Contact Centres. SARCS provided relief in the distribution of more than 240 000 hot meals, nearly 15 500 food parcels, 1 900 hygiene packs (including buckets and soaps) as well as 3 700 blankets to vulnerable people in shelters. Volunteers have also reached 500 000 people through public education awareness and risk communication.

“The SARCS depends on donations from generous institutions like BMW South Africa to carry out its statutory mandate of providing humanitarian services across the lengths and breadth of South Africa. The loan of the vehicles by BMW allows the SARCS to provide a more comprehensive service.  The SARCS can now reach more people and widen its geographical coverage in all branches.  The Mpumalanga region has just been reopened, and the vehicle that will be deployed there will ensure that more people can receive services”, says Ms Mabel Koketso, Organisational Development Officer of the South African Red Cross Society”.

“The South African Red Cross Society is a symbol of hope for people in need across the world, and it really is an honour to support their work in the fight against this terrible virus in South Africa,” Mr  Tim Abbott Managing Director of BMW South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, said.

“I hope that these 17 cars – especially the locally built X3 SAVs – make it possible for the South African Red Cross Society to get to more remote and marginalised communities, and to take that symbol of hope with them.

“We’ve been building cars in Rosslyn since 1973. We’re part of this country, and we’re committed to its future. More than at any time I can remember, now is the time society needs to come together and help each other where we can. I’m delighted to make these cars available the South African Red Cross Society.  If we all do our bit to help, we’ll get through this together,” Mr Abbott concluded.

 

The South African Red Cross Society is a member organisation of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) which is the largest volunteer-driven organisation on Earth. Their humanitarian services in South Africa can be traced back to the late 1800s.

                                                                                                                                                                                                ENDS

Issued By:              The South African Red Cross Society

Enquiries:              Sarieta Schultz

Mobile:                  083 266 1468

E-mail:                    sschultz@redcross.org.za

INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS RED CRESCENT DAY - 8 MAY 2020

MEDIA STATEMENT

Date:               Friday, 8 May 2020

Embargo:        None

Subject:           INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS RED CRESCENT DAY:  8 MAY 2020

 

Today, 8 May 2020, marks the birth day of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1828. The day honours the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movements, its staff, and its dedicated volunteers, in saving lives and assisting vulnerable communities around the world. This year the theme is to #KeepClapping for all volunteers and healthcare workers working on the frontline of COVID-19.

The first South African positive case of COVID-19 was reported on 5 March 2020. The members of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (IFRC) in Southern Africa were in a meeting when the news broke. Their meeting was immediately adjourned, and the SARCS team, together with the IFRC, started planning their Disaster Management response.

The SARCS activated response teams across all 9 provinces to support the Government in its efforts by mitigating the spread of the virus. Currently, the activities that are being carried out at provinces are public awareness, hygiene promotions, risk communication, media relations, contact tracing, distribution of hot meals to the vulnerable groups and distribution of information, education and communication materials at strategic areas.

To date, the SARCS has trained 2 094 volunteers, conducted contact tracing involving 403 709 individuals and are assisting the Department of Health in their Contact Centres.  In terms of relief provision, SARCS provided more than 240 000 hot meals and distributed nearly 15 500 food parcels and 1 900 hygiene packs (including buckets and soaps). The SARCS has distributed 3 700 blankets to vulnerable people in shelters. Volunteers also reached 500 000 people through public education awareness and risk communication.

The South African Red Cross Society is a member organisation of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement which is the largest volunteer-driven organisation on Earth. There are 35 branches that operate in all 9 provinces of South Africa.  Always Needed, Always There.

Please follow @RedcrossSa on Twitter for updated information.

ENDS

Issued By:       The South African Red Cross Society

Enquiries:        Sarieta Schultz

Mobile:            083 266 1468

E-mail:             sschultz@redcross.org.za

STANDARD BANK UPSCALES ITS DONATION TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN RED CROSS SOCIETY IN THE MIDST OF THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK - 5 May 2020

MEDIA STATEMENT

 

Date:                      Tuesday, 5 May 2020

Embargo:              None

Subject:                  STANDARD BANK UPSCALES ITS DONATION TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN RED CROSS SOCIETY IN THE MIDST OF THE COVID-19

                                   OUTBREAK

 

In March, The South African Red Cross Society received a donation for R750 000-00 from Standard Bank to support the training, equipping and protecting of volunteers, as well as providing hot meals and food/sanitary packages to vulnerable households. Standard Bank has now increased this amount by an additional R1m, to help combat the rapid spread of the COVID-19 outbreak into some rural, peri-urban, formal and informal settlements, adversely affected by the pandemic.

The additional funds will be used to cover the following activities:

  • Each Branch will reach at least 4 additional local areas with COVID-19 education, information, contact tracing and screening.
  • Each Branch will support at least 3 municipal/government health centers with education and tracing of affected families.
  • The National Office will be strengthened to provide Psycho-Social training and support for volunteers, as well as to equip more of them with the necessary skills to address such issues at community level.
  • The South African Red Cross Society will continue to provide hot meals for the homeless, child-headed households, the elderly, orphaned and vulnerable children, and disabled persons. In addition, they will provide food parcels and vegetable seeds.

 

“Throughout the years, Standard Bank has been supportive of us; they have donated millions of Rands. As a Non-Profit entity, the Society depends wholly on donations from generous institutions like Standard Bank to carry out its statutory mandate of providing humanitarian services across the length and breadth of South Africa” says Ms Mabel Koketso, Organisational Development Advisor of the South African Red Cross Society.

 

“Standard Bank supports the South African Red Cross Society’s rapid, extensive and comprehensive programme to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic”, said Wendy Dobson, Head of Corporate Citizenship at Standard Bank. “They are doing extremely important work to support tracing and screening in health facilities while ensuring that their efforts reach the most vulnerable in society. We believe that collaboration between the private sector, NGOs and government is crucial to deliver effective responses to the pandemic”.

 

The South African Red Cross Society is a member organisation of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) which is the largest volunteer-driven organisation on Earth. Their humanitarian services in South Africa can be traced back to the late 1800s. There are 35 branches that operate in all nine provinces of South Africa.  Always Needed, Always There.

                                                                                                                                                                                                ENDS

 Issued By:              The South African Red Cross Society

Enquiries:              Sarieta Schultz

Mobile:                  083 266 1468

E-mail:                    sschultz@redcross.org.za