Samsung South Africa donates rapid testing kits for Nelson Mandela Day

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 18 July 2020 – In this unprecedented time, we at Samsung humbly believe we can overcome this pandemic together. We are encouraged by the great leadership shown in Government in response to COVID-19 and Samsung South Africa have followed their lead on the focus pillars; testing, tracking and communication. Today we are glad to announce the donation of the 10 000 rapid testing kits in support of the fight against COVID-19.

‘We appreciate the strong support of the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize and his team who assisted with the rapid testing kits donation process. It is through these types of public-private partnerships and the resilient spirit of South Africans, that we as a country will overcome’ said Sung Yoon, President & CEO of Samsung Africa.

In normal circumstances on Mandela Day, the Samsung team would have been out contributing through the employee volunteer program, building houses and fixing schools. This year due to COVID-19 the company is supporting differently. South Africa is still at a critical stage of dealing with the pandemic and it is crucial to curb the spread of the virus.

In response, Samsung is proud to donate rapid testing kits to the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). “This donation from Samsung will enable the evaluation of a rapid PCR test that can deliver a result in less than an hour in the field” says Prof Glenda Gray, President and CEO of the SAMRC.

The SAMRC is leading the field evaluation of various diagnostic strategies to better understand the epidemic in South Africa. The rapid testing kits are an essential part of the strategy to roll out testing and get results in real-time. Testing is a critical tool for the diagnosis, management and containment of the epidemic.

‘Samsung is committed to South Africa and we are fortunate as a company to be able to leverage the power of our innovative technology to respond to the core pillars designed to curb the spread of COVID-19. Our contribution of these innovative tests, supplements the support we have provided in collaboration with our network partners to equip the brave, frontline responders with smartphones, tablets and communication technologies. It is to them we owe our thanks’ continued Sung Yoon.