Minister of health Zweli Mkizwe has welcomed a donation by South African Breweries (SAB) of R30-million worth of medical supplies to the Eastern Cape.

The donation included locally manufactured FF2P medical grade masks and gloves for surgery and general use.

Mizwe said the donation came at an important moment, given that Covid-19 cases are seeing a sharp increase in the province.

“Our government is putting in every effort ot protect the nation against Covid-19. Now more than ever, it’s time for the private sector to step up and help flatten the curve wherever it pops up,” said SAB corporate affairs manager for the Eastern and Western Cape Tinumzi Lubelwana.

“Only together can we beat this pandemic.”

Lubelwana said SAB had been approached by Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane to assist “in any way it could” in combatting Covid-19.

“We jumped at the opportunity to help the Eastern Cape department of health. Given the countless evidence around the shortage of medical equipment in the province, as a South African business we felt it was our duty to answer the call.”

Mabuyane said he was proud to see local businesses helping their community.

“We know that SAB is part of a world-wide corporation but we knew we could rely on its support when we needed it most.

“This equipment will go a long way to ensure the integrity of our health system is maintained so we can look after our people in their time of need,” he said.