Germany has pledged a total of R40, 5m to support efforts to combat the onslaught of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic in South Africa.

The German government, through its Ambassador in SA, Martin Schaefer, initially donated R2, 5m to help the country with health-related supplies.

Speaking to Newzroom Africa on Monday Mar. 23, Schaefer disclosed yet another shot in the arm to the tune of R38m offered to South Africa, one of Africa’s powerhouse economy.

He emphasized the importance of testing earlier as many people as possible. For acting quick on the threat of Covid-19 which the World Health Organization called a global health emergency, he commended the SA government for foresight.

Schaefer said the first and the second batch (of millions) do not signify the end Germany’s aid. South Africa is a vital economy and needs to be assisted going forward, he stressed.

The Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize confirmed 154 new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2020. That means a significant jump from 402 to 554 in South Africa.

The generosity of the Germans came a few hours before President Cyril Ramaphosa announced escalated measures to close non-essential sectors of the economy.

The German Ambassador said it is self-serving and counterproductive for countries to work independently. He filed off by calling for coordinated global approach to defeat this fatal plague.

Needless to state that the adverse economic and social effects on the majority of people in the country will immeasurable.

Nevertheless, Ramaphosa took bold steps to soften the imminent hard blows of Covid-19 revealing relief schemes that the government will undertake. On Tuesday, Mar. 24, the relevant ministers will trash out the details (of these schemes).

From here onwards, South African citizens must endure the ultimate test of the 21st century and hope all gallant efforts yield desired results, sooner rather than later.