The School of Medicine received a donation of 1800 five-layer masks and sanitisers for each medical student from Sanlam to help the Faculty fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation will go a long way in helping safeguard against the COVID-19 disease brought about by the coronavirus.

Lectures have continued online at the Faculty of Health Sciences, but the development of a students’ clinical competence is dependent on learning in an authentic clinical setting. For the Faculty to graduate a cohort of medical doctors on time, training needs to occur in a supportive and safe environment. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought numerous challenges to the fore with regards to teaching and learning. Clinical learning is the essence of medical education and for learning to occur. The Faculty of Health Sciences needs to ensure that students and staff are safe.” shared Professor Vanessa Steenkamp, Deputy Dean of Teaching and Learning.

During a meeting on other sponsorships provided by Sanlam, COVID-19 and the need for PPE arose. Sanlam immediately came to the table and offered to assist by donating reusable, washable, 5-layer cloth masks for every medical student in the Faculty.

School of Medicine Class Representatives: Werno Katzke (6^th year), Joané Nell (4^th years) and Minette Boshoff (5^th year) receiving their masks.

The University of Pretoria has a long-standing and solid partnership with Sanlam. The Motsepe Family, in partnership with their associated companies and organisations, have pledged R1 billion to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic and its related challenges across the African Continent. Sanlam has contributed funds to various relief efforts, as well as set aside R7 billion to help businesses to recover from the pandemic and help kick-start the businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic and corresponding business interruptions.

Many institutions across the global community have been greatly affected by the pandemic. “We wish to take this opportunity to convey to the management and students at the University of Pretoria that as a responsible corporate citizen, Sanlam is committed to working with our stakeholders for the greater good of society “said Gert Bezuidenhout, Regional General Manager at Sanlam.

Supporting the University of Pretoria amid the current pandemic is a vital part of safeguarding against the virus, and steadily moving forward to a post-COVID economy, with an outlook of building resilient communities and advancing of society.

Various organisations need to work together for South Africa to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are grateful to Sanlam for this donation which will ensure that students can complete their clinical training and the academic year successfully while being protected.” Said Prof Tiaan de Jager, Dean at the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Sanlam handing over 1800 masks and sanitisers to the Faculty of Health Sciences.