Netcare Waterfall City Hospital partners with Mercedes-Benz SA and Chargify to launch an EV charging at the hospital

South Africa stands at a pivotal juncture, facing a challenge of profound complexity: how to transition both its automotive market and productive capacity to Electric vehicles (EVs) while simultaneously achieving the objectives outlined in the South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM).

This challenge is compounded by critical energy shortages, the imperative to decarbonise the economy, and financial constraints across SA households and the public sector.

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In response to these multiple challenges, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel released a White Paper last year which outlines a comprehensive electric vehicle roadmap for SA and the structure of a suite of policy interventions tailored to the automotive industry.

It is a product of constructive engagement with stakeholders including within government, industry and labour to chart a viable and sustainable transition path for the industry.

The primary goal of this White Paper is to set a course to transition the auto industry from primarily producing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles to a dual platform that includes EVs in the production and consumption mix, alongside ICE vehicles in SA by 2035.

This vision is aligned with the foundational objectives outlined in the SAAM, a strategic framework implemented in 2021 to shape the nation’s automotive industry. It also aligns with changing demand in export markets and South Africa’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gases.

The compelling reasons behind this transition are numerous. Foremost is the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

As a result, the launch of an EV charging station at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital is the latest step towards a more environmentally sustainable future as part of an expanding project partnership between Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Chargify.

“The introduction of this flagship electric vehicle charging facility for the first time in our hospital division is as significant as the shift towards digital technology has proved to be,” said Andre Nortje, Netcare’s national environmental sustainability manager.

“This project strongly resonates with Netcare’s commitment to reducing emissions and planning for sustainability in healthcare throughout our operations.

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“We see huge potential for cutting our collective carbon footprint if more drivers know there is a reliable electric vehicle charging network, which our patients, visitors, doctors, and staff at Netcare Waterfall Hospital now can access.”

Through its environmental sustainability strategy, since 2013 Netcare has reduced energy consumption by 39%, water usage by 28%, and waste to landfill by 14%. With 38 awards for sustainability initiatives, Netcare Group has set the ambitious goal of purchasing 100% of its energy from renewable energy sources and reaching zero waste to landfill by 2030, with the long-term goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

“People considering buying a car should be encouraged to consider the advantages of electric-powered cars as this technology becomes more widely available, gradually reducing our country’s reliance on fossil fuels for essential transport,” added Nortje.

Chargify, a company looking to drive EV adoption across SA, is actively working to build one of South Africa’s most extensive EV public charging networks by fostering relationships with sites across the country, such as Netcare Waterfall City Hospital.

Any electric vehicle brand can use the Mercedes-Benz Chargify network, an added advantage for Mercedes-Benz EQ customers is a 10% discount when using these stations.

Chargify CEO Kgosi Diphokwane said the company’s vision is to make the EV way of life feel normal and part of ‘everyday life’ in South Africa, “And partnering with Netcare, is one of the ways we’re doing so.

“Moreover, Netcare’s commitment to sustainability aligns with our intrinsic values of helping to shape a greener and more prosperous society. All of this, of course, was made possible through an investment by Mercedes-Benz South Africa.”

The event included a formal ribbon-cutting session, an exhibition with the Chargify EV charger, a couple of Mercedes-Benz EQs, as well as climate-based board games in support of Earth Day.

General manager of Netcare Waterfall City Hospital, Jaco du Preez, welcomed the rollout of the technology at the healthcare facility on Earth Day, April 22, as the first in the Netcare Group.

“All indications are that electric cars will be increasingly popular in years to come, and this installation of electric vehicle charging points is helping to futureproof our facility and our community,” Du Preez concludes.

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