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President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised Gauteng for its readiness amidst the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country.
Ramaphosa joined Prime Minister David Makhura and MEC Health Bandile Masuku for a tour of three of the province’s facilities on Friday, which included a field hospital established at the Nasrec Exhibition Center, a food bank and the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital.
He was in a jovial mood, even joking about his fight to wear a face mask on live television the night before.
Financial resources
Ramaphosa praised the provincial government and health workers who led its response to the deadly pandemic, saying they have shown great dedication, commitment and sacrifice.
“The question of financial resources becomes easy when a province shows innovation and is being clairvoyant, [showing] foresight and in many ways really working hard to ensure that it safeguards the life and health of the people of this province. “
WATCH: Inside Gauteng’s makeshift Covid-19 isolation and quarantine site
He said the hospital, which currently has 19 intensive care units, would increase by 100.
“That is phenomenal, and in many ways this hospital, through the Covid crisis, [is] being transformed to be ready for NHI [National Health Insurance], and we are putting the basic components in place, “he added, referring to the country’s vision of universal health care.
Ramaphosa said he believed that other provinces, including the Eastern Cape, which have worried Health Minister Zweli Mkhize about his ability to prepare for a potentially large number of coronavirus patients, were working hard to detect and evaluate more people for stop the spread of the virus.
The country has been under closure since March 26, as the government seeks to stop the spread of the pandemic that has killed 75 people, while 3,953 have tested positive.
No WHO discussions with Trump
Ramaphosa, who announced Thursday through his Twitter account that he had spoken to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, said that the American leader initiated the call to show his support for South Africa.
“He wanted to know how we are doing as South Africa and pledges his support. He also said he was very impressed, by the reports he had seen, with the way we handled Covid-19.”
He added that they had not discussed Trump’s decision to stop financial aid to the World Health Organization (WHO), holding firm to South Africa’s views on the matter.
Ramaphosa said WHO deserved an increase in funding while navigating the pandemic.
READ: AU President Ramaphosa reaffirms his support for the WHO amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the Trump attack
He added that he had also spoken to German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday, who told him that his government was ready to offer assistance and learn from South Africa, whenever possible.
“I have been talking to many other heads of state, there is a general sense of solidarity throughout the world,” said Ramaphosa.
The president also praised the country’s media and said he was “very happy” with the way journalists covered the Covid-19 story.
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