Rofhiwa Marubini
Gauteng Premier, David Makhura has thanked BMW and the Federal Government of Germany for coming on board to help in fighting the COVID-19 in Gauteng with a donation of 700 beds worth R76 million.
This comes after the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Gauteng Department of Health and BMW South Africa will see the beds added to various hospitals across the province.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura said the donation could not have come at a better time as the province braces for an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.
"I must say, that the storm has arrived in Gauteng. It will take all of us to weather the storm. In total there will be over 700 beds increasing what we are already doing as the Gauteng Provincial Government. We have been doing work to put over 2 000 additional beds in our existing facilities in all the key hospitals in our province. In addition to the beds, (there are) additional PPEs that we will need," says Makhura.
The investment by the car manufacturer is part of the strategic public private partnership between the province and the private sector to transform the healthcare system beyond COVID-19. 
The manufacturer will also be donating ambulances.
The signing took place during a virtual Skype meeting and was joined by guests from Munich in Germany as well as Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize. 
BMW South Africa CEO, Tim Abbott said 200 000 masks were currently being manufactured in Munich and would be shipped to Gauteng to assist the department of health. 
Makhura added that there would be challenges as the country enters the storm, especially the opening of schools, restaurants and other entertainment sectors. 
He said the province was looking at all possibilities to deal with the challenges, including consulting with the national department of health.