The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria accepted delivery of 15 Isuzu D-MAX bakkies this week which will be used to assist with the transportation of personal protective equipment and medical supplies to support community health workers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professor Jannie Hugo, Head of Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, said the partnership with Isuzu for this period would extend their reach and allow mobile versatility to ensure effective intervention across all communities.  

“For the next few weeks the University will particularly focus on supporting the medical structures and resources in the country,” said Prof Hugo.

This intervention was facilitated by WesBank and supported by FirstRand’s SPIRE fund team.

Under normal circumstances, these Isuzu bakkies would have been used for marketing and promotional purposes, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown period, the bakkies were idle, explained Craig Uren, Isuzu Senior Vice President, Vehicles, Sales, Service and Marketing.

“We pride ourselves in providing transport solutions and being a trusted partner in getting a job done and, more so, to be a beneficial partner during times of crises and disaster,” said Uren.

Isuzu has also made its press test fleet available to humanitarian relief organisation Gift of the Givers to support its COVID-19 intervention efforts.

“During this time of crisis, we strongly believe that it is important that in collaboration with our partners and stakeholders we all rally together to do what’s in the best interests of the country and our people as a whole,” said Uren.

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria has been at the forefront of helping South Africa fight the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Faculty is currently involved in approximately 30 projects supporting efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.  “We appreciate Isuzu’s contribution towards helping us make a greater impact during this pandemic. It is through these collaborative efforts that we can help and support communities,” said Professor Tiaan de Jager, Dean of UP’s Faculty of Health Sciences.

Uren said the support given to UP forms part of the company’s strategic social responsibility objectives, which are to provide critical logistics support during crisis situations.

“Isuzu forges strategic partnerships to bring sustainable solutions and meaningful change to the communities of South Africa, our vehicles are strong and can handle heavy loads, they are also able to access the most challenging terrain. We believe they will play a huge role in ensuring the transportation of any goods that are needed during these trying times,” said Uren.

The D-MAX is Isuzu’s class-leading diesel bakkie that has earnt a reputation over more than 40 years for its durability, reliability and capability.