Isuzu Motors South Africa has made more bakkies available to assist in containing the spread of COVID-19 infections in the country. 

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria has accepted delivery of 15 Isuzu D-MAX bakkies which will be used to assist with the transportation of personal protective equipment and medical supplies to support South African community health workers in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. This intervention was facilitated by WesBank and supported by FirstRand's South African Pandemic Intervention and Relief Effort (SPIRE)  initiative.

Under normal circumstances, these Isuzu bakkies would have been used for marketing and promotional purposes, however due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown period, the bakkies were idle, explained Craig Uren, Isuzu Senior Vice President, Vehicles, Sales, Service and Marketing.  "We are therefore very pleased that these vehicles can be utilised by the University to undertake its critically important and value adding work.  We pride ourselves in providing transport solutions and being a trusted partner in getting a job done and more so, to be a beneficial partner during times of crises and disaster," said Uren.

A few weeks ago Isuzu also made its press test fleet available to the humanitarian relief organisation, Gift of the Givers, to support their COVID-19 intervention initiatives.

"During this time of crisis, we strongly believe that it is important that in collaboration with our partners and stakeholders we all rally together to do what's in the best interests of the country and our people as a whole," said Uren.

Professor Jannie Hugo, Head of Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, said the partnership with Isuzu for this period will extend their reach and allow mobile versatility to ensure effective intervention across all communities.

"For the next few weeks the University will specifically focus on supporting the medical structures and resources in the country," said Hugo.

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria has been at the forefront of helping South Africa fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The faculty is currently involved in approximately 30 projects to support COVID-19 efforts.  "We appreciate Isuzu's contribution towards helping us make a greater impact during this pandemic. It is through these collaborative efforts that we can help and support communities," said Professor Tiaan de Jager, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria.

Uren said the support given to the University of Pretoria forms part of the company's strategic social responsibility objectives, which is to provide critical logistics support during crisis situations.

"Isuzu forges strategic partnerships to bring sustainable solutions and meaningful change to the communities of South Africa, our vehicles are strong and can handle heavy loads, they are also able to access the most challenging terrain. We believe they will play a huge role in ensuring the transportation of any goods that are needed during these trying times," said Uren.

The Isuzu D-MAX is the company's class-leading diesel bakkie which has earned a reputation over more than 40 years for its durability, reliability and capability.