The Netherlands has donated R14 million to South Africa’s Solidarity Fund to help the country respond to the devastating Covid-19 pandemic.
South Africa is in the throes of the fourth wave of Covid-19 driven by the new Omicron variant.
On Friday, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Dr. Naledi Pandor said she “welcomed a decision by the government of the Netherlands to donate a sum of €750,000 (R14 million) to the Solidarity Fund”.
The Solidarity Fund was created on 23 March 2020 to respond to the Covid-19 crisis in South Africa with Old Mutual administering the funds on a pro bono basis.
It provides a platform for both the public and private sectors to contribute towards the various initiatives supported by the Fund.
Audited statements show that by 28 February 2021 the Solidarity Fund had received R3.2 billion in donations.
“Minister Pandor and the minister of foreign affairs of the Netherlands, Mr. Ben Knapen, met in The Hague for the second meeting on 22 November 2021, where Minister Knapen informed Minister Pandor of his government’s intention to make a donation,” said Dirco.
The Netherlands Foreign Ministry has since confirmed that the donation has been made.
“Minister Pandor requested Minister Knapen to convey South Africa’s gratitude to the government and people
of the Netherlands,” said Dirco.
Pandor added: “The Netherlands has been an important partner for South Africa in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
“It was one of the first countries to donate test kits to South Africa at the start of the pandemic and has been consistent in its support since then.”