SA soccer giants and Multichoice donate thousands of masks, gloves for Covid-19 frontline workers

Health minister Zweli Mkhize received thousands of Covid-19 masks and gloves from Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs football teams and Multichoice on Wednesday.

Multichoice chairman Imtiaz Patel said 350 000 surgical masks, 100 000 gloves, and 10 000 wipes will be distributed to health and law enforcement frontline Covid-19 workers.

“This is our small contribution to the frontline workers, who are the unsung heroes fighting to curb Covid-19 transmissions.
 
“We salute them and we appreciate their efforts,” he said.

Orlando Pirates chairperson Dr Irvin Khoza said although Pirates and Chiefs were rivals in the field, the teams knew unity was important in the fight against the coronavirus.

He also thanked minister Mkhize for his contribution in serving residents of South Africa “fearlessly” during the outbreak.

“In the field of play we intend to beat each other, but this time collaboration was needed in a bigger call for national health and safety,” he said.

Kaizer Chiefs chairperson Kaizer Motaung said the team was proud to be part of the initiative to assist in the fight against the pandemic.

He said footballers will embark on a social media “stay-at-home” campaign to encourage people to stay at home and comply with lockdown regulations.

He said a lack of compliance with these regulations will weaken the government’s plans to fight Covid-19.

Sports, arts and culture deputy minister Nocawe Mafu said in the fight against this “invisible enemy”, the sports and entertainment industry suffered the biggest blow.

She said the department, however, set aside a R150-million relief fund to assist the arts and sports fraternity.

Mafu pled with broadcasters to play more local material during this time to boost the industry.

Mkhize thanked the sports leaders and broadcaster for the initiative, “we really do appreciate this initiative,” he said.

He said the sports fraternity showed leadership skills the country really needs.

Mkhize said without the support of this fraternity, it would have been difficult for the government to keep sports fans at home.

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