The ban on alcohol sales in South Africa during the Covid-19 lockdown period has not stopped the brewing company, Heineken, from assisting people who are in need. Heineken South Africa has donated more than R1m worth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), refreshments to hospital kitchens which include tea, coffee, rusks and energy bars for the staff on duty.
The donated equipment was handed over to the Gauteng Department of Health and local communities. It included gloves, masks and medical-grade disinfectants distributed to several hospitals to assist health workers at the front line of the pandemic. Some of the equipment is also intended for a newly established field hospital at the Nasrec Exhibition Centre, which serves as an isolation and quarantine facility in anticipation of an increase in infections.
“Through the two significant donations, we are fulfilling our commitment to ‘promote health and safety’ and ‘growing with and supporting communities. We hope the donations give relief and comfort where it is most needed” said Heineken South Africa’s Corporate Affairs Director, Millicent Maroga. More than 100 families living in the Mid Vaal have benefited from the donation. This includes Orlando East and Alexandra townships along with a homeless shelter in Roodepoort.
In addition, Heineken worked with community organisations including the Lethabo Feeding Scheme, Reabetswe Community Care Service and Dorah’s Ark. Heineken also donated groceries to one of its customers, Disoufeng Pub & Restaurant in Soweto, which has been running a soup kitchen twice a week for its community. “We strongly believe in showcasing our global ethos of ‘Brewing a Better World’ through actions.,” said Maroga.
