Sakunda donates $6 million towards covid

SAKUNDA Holdings has donated $6 million cash and an assortment of goods to complement government’s efforts to reduce coronavirus (covid-19) infections and related deaths.

President Robert Mugabe and businessman Kuda Tagwirei

This comes as Zimbabwe has witnessed a surge in coronavirus infections and deaths in the past month. The donations were received President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House this Friday morning.

Sakunda ­Holdings Chief Executive Officer Kudakwashe Tagwirei said his company acknowledges efforts and commitment by the government to positively impact the livelihoods of Zimbabwe against a background of a pandemic that has negatively affected normal operations of business and citizens day to day operations.

“Sakunda has noted the effects of Covid 19 on the well-being of Zimbabweans among them that some parents have lost the ability to pay university tuition fees for their children; our health care system is inundated with a huge number of Covid 19 patients. Increase in number of citizens who now require urgent Covid 19 vaccination and compromised livelihoods of the people especially young people,” he said.

Sakunda donated cash, equipment and vehicles to the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

“Sakunda has extended the following donations to the people of Zimbabwe., ZW$170 million for purchase of vaccines; six truckloads of assorted medical consumables which include injections, airway management products and wound care products for Rural Hospitals worth ZW$91 million. “The company also donated 300 000 litres of fuel (50 000 litres per month for six months) to the Government to assist the ZRP homicide department operations, ZW$85 million towards tuition fees for university students,” he said.

The company also handed over 500 heifers and 25 bulls to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to support heifers’ projects for the youth; five double cabs for the homicide department of the ZRP and ZWL30 million to assist the homicide department to purchase specialized equipment and enhance its operations.

“Sakunda refurbished and equipped 60 beds at Parirenyatwa Hospital. In addition to that Sakunda Holdings has taken over 60 beds in Wards B1 and B2, bringing the total number of beds to 120. At United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), Sakunda Holdings refurbished 40 beds for use as Covid Centres and is now operating a Centre with an additional 20 beds thus bringing the total to 60 beds.

“This follows the donation of the 30 bed Arundel facility, in Harare last year. All the above mentioned Covid Centres are currently operating at full capacity and they are available to every Zimbabwean free of charge.

“We pray that this gesture will assist in the fight and assure you of our continued support to the Government and people of Zimbabwe at large in this dark hour,” he said.

Other firms and individuals who have heeded Government’s call to fight covid and made donations in cash are Beitbridge contractors US$500 000, CBZ Holdings US$250 000, ZB Holdings US$50 000, businessman Ken Sharpe US$50 000, Scott Sapupwanya US$50 000 and Insurance Council of Zimbabwe US$50 000.