SOUTH AFRICA – The South African Breweries has donated medical supplies worth R30 million (US$1.9m) to the healthcare department of Eastern Cape, which has been identified as a COVID-19 hot spot.

The sponsored items include locally manufactured FF2P medical grade masks and gloves for surgery and general use, which have been scarce causing a strain in the health facilities.

According to the breweries, the distribution of the items was focused on particularly hard-hit areas such as the OR Tambo District and Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Region.

“Only together can we beat this pandemic. We are proud to play our part in this fight wherever we can.”

Corporate Affairs Manager Eastern and Western Cape at SAB – Tinumzi Lubelwana

The move was a hid to the call by the head of government of the province, urging the company to offer assistances to the dire situation facing the region since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We jumped at the opportunity to help the Eastern Cape Department of Health. Given the countless evidence around the shortage of medical equipment in the province, as a South African born business, we felt it was our duty to answer the call,” said Corporate Affairs Manager Eastern and Western Cape at SAB Tinumzi Lubelwana.

Stamping their commitment to combat the spread of the virus and alleviate disruptions caused by the pandemic, Tinumzi added that, “Our government is putting in every effort to protect the nation against COVID-19, now more than ever it’s time for the private sector to step up and help flatten the curve wherever it pops up.

“Only together can we beat this pandemic. We are proud to play our part in this fight wherever we can.”

Expressing his gratitude, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said he is proud to see South African businesses honour their roots.

“We know that SAB is part of a world-wide corporation, but we knew we could rely on its support when we needed it most.

“This equipment will go a long way to ensure the integrity of our health system is maintained so we can look after our people in their time of need.”

This isn’t the first time SAB has stepped up to the plate in aid of helping South Africa through this crisis.

In March, the demand for alcohol-based sanitiser sky-rocketed. SAB quickly adapted its operations to address the shortage of hand sanitiser by using its operations to produce a sanitiser containing 80% alcohol, which is exactly what the healthcare sector was in dire need of.

As of today, SAB has delivered 150 000 bottles of hand sanitiser to hospitals and aid organisations acorss the country.

According to Lubelwana, “We have for the last 125 years formed a part of the fabric of South Africa, and have through the nation’s triumphs and challenges stood behind it. In this time of uncertainty, what we know for sure is that we need to show our commitment to South Africa in any way we can.”

Meanwhile, the subsidiary of AB InBev was significantly impacted by the second ban on the sale of alcohol beverages from mid-July to mid-August, resulting in volume and revenue declines of nearly 25% in 3Q20.

Announcing the results, the parent company further noted that in South Africa, consumers are shifting to more affordable brands and bulk returnable packages.

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