Staff Writer
Sanlam has donated protective and screening equipment to the City of Windhoek.
The items were handed over in support of the City of Windhoek’s efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic within the city.
Speaking at the handover, Sanlam Group CEO Tertius Stears said Sanlam was committed to fight the pandemic in the city in particular and the whole country in general.
Stears said, “The world as we know it has changed and we are still to find and adjust to the “new normal,but in getting there we all have to work together and pull our efforts in the same direction if we are to win this fight”. Stears said.
He said Sanlam is committed to supporting efforts of different stakeholders within the country and do its part to flatten the curve.
“As a corporate predominantly operating in the City ,this donation makes sense as we will all reap the rewards of a COVID-19 free city and country”.
He ,however, further said that Sanlam is not only corporate contributing to the fight against COVID-19 in Windhoek, but is also taking this fight nationally and to the different parts of the country.
He highlighted as an example the company’s efforts to construct a COVID-19 isolation unit in Walvis Bay as part of its N$3.5 million contribution to the fight against the pandemic.
Speaking at the same event, City of Windhoek CEO Robert Kahimise, stressed that “the success of the fight against this deadly virus requires a collective effort and integrated support. The donation could not have come at a more appropriate time than now, as we face unprecedented times of fighting the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic that has driven our residents to uncertain livelihoods”.
Kahimise thanked Sanlam for its support towards to the City of Windhoek COVID-19 Response Action saying the outreach is a sign of Sanlam’s commitment to a shared agenda on corporate social responsibility and community solidarity.
So far the City of Windhoek has received the following from Sanlam: 1. 20 000Liters of clean water valued at N$90 000.00 – In response to the water crisis which followed soon after the lockdown of the Khomas region, Sanlam ensured residents in the city’s informal settlement were provided with safe and clean drinking water during the lockdown and state of emergency period.
2. 2,500 reusable face masks valued at N$297 000.00 – In response to the new regulations which now makes it mandatory for all people to wear masks when they enter public places, the supply of face masks, ensures the City of Windhoek is able to supply its personnel especially those who work closely with people and communities to ensure that they are protected and are able to carry out their duties without fear of exposure.
3. 11 thermo guns valued at N$42 000.00 – to be used by emergency personnel including the City Police in conducting COVID-19 related duties of screening and testing.
The total value of the donated items by Sanlam stands at N$429,500.00.
Besides its contribution to direct fight against the pandemic, Sanlam is also ensuring that its clients are also receiving the best possible financial advice during these tough times when many individuals are faced with financial and economic hardship.
“Several options aimed at easing the financial burden to clients have been made available. At the same time the company is also ensuring that its products and benefits also covers claims as a result of COVID-19.”
The company said to curtail the spread of the pandemic and in line with national guidelines, Sanlam has also put in place safety and health measures at all its branches throughout the country. All its employees have been equipped with necessary masks, sanitisers and social distancing measures to protect them against the pandemic.
