SA coronavirus fund has received R2.6bn in pledges

Some 75 000 individuals have contributed to the Solidarity Fund that was set up by the government to enable businesses, organisations and people to contribute to efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus, head of fundraising Paul Bondi tells reporters at a virtual briefing.

These are some of the other updates about the fund:

• Approved R1.1 billion for the health sector to purchase protection equipment and critical medical equipment.
• Procured 200 ventilators, working closely to local manufacturers to start up capabilities to provide critical equipment such as ventilators.
• There is an issue around the rand-dollar exchange rate and a surge in medical supply prices, said Bondi.
  “But we are working hard to procure products at a good price, and looking at local manufacturing and procurement.”
• Anticipate delivering 250 000 food parcels by the end of the week.
• PwC has been appointed as external auditor, health-procurement function is being done through Business for South Africa.

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