Ramaphosa calls for end to sanctions against Zimbabwe, Sudan to help fight Covid-19
Ramaphosa has also argued for a co-ordinated approach in the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) with South Africa’s neighbours.
PPEs have become the world’s hottest commodity with supplies running low for frontline workers such as nurses and doctors. To mitigate against the demand, governments have urged civilians to use cloth masks to allow healthcare workers first dibs.
In South Africa, healthcare workers have raised concerns over PPE shortages.
Nehawu went so far as to take Health Minister Zweli Mkhize to court, challenging the state to make facilities more conducive for frontline workers.
Between provincial health departments, the national department and Solidarity Fund, R755 million have already been spent on PPEs in April.
“As the AU Bureau, we met with several of Africa’s business leaders to seek their assistance in ramping up local production of these items and sourcing them from other parts of the world.
“I have appointed Zimbabwean businessperson Strive Masiyiwa to assist with efforts to source personal protection equipment for the region and the continent,” said Ramaphosa.
The AU had also engaged with the leaders of Cuba, China, Russia, France, Canada and the US to ask for support for the continent, he added.
