Exxaro, Eskom, Lephalale Local Municipality, Department of Health and Local Security cluster led by SAPS joined forces to officially launch a Lephalale based mass screening and testing campaign, which officially commenced on the 01 May 2020 and will end on the 6th of May 2020. This proactive approach seeks to detect the virus early and control further community local infections.

The Lephalale Municipality established the Local Command Council where different stakeholders discuss plans and share ideas on how to combat the COVID 19 pandemic. It is in this forum that the stakeholders reached a consensus to put together a response plan in line with identified risks.

“COVID 19 is an unprecedented pandemic requiring business solidarity to urgently respond. It is therefore one of the reasons why we as business felt that this mass screening campaign was necessary in our fight against COVID-19.” said Mr Ronaldt Mafoko, General Manager, Exxaro Grootegeluk.

The mass screening stations are situated at Lephalale entry points. As of the 3rd of May 2020, the teams had screened approximately 9348 commuters passing by these two stations, and tested twelve patients who showed symptoms – fortunately none of the tested cases returned with a positive result.

As a key strategic employer, Eskom General Managers Ms Obakeng Mabotja, Ms Zandi Shange and Mr Wikus Van Janse Rensburg from Matimba and Medupi operations, unambiguously reiterated the need to keep the virus at bay – especially in Lephalale. “I would like to thank our health workers, and volunteers who are in the frontline of this pandemic– you do your best, and we would like to thank you for sacrificing your time with families to protect the community. “said Wikus Van Janse Rensburg.

Honorable Mayor, Cllr Jack Maeko lauded the initiative and asked that business to continue working together to ensure a better a Lephalale for all.