​On the 10th April 2020, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China represented by Mr Wang, donated 10 000 surgical masks to the University of Johannesburg. A further 1900 surgical masks were also donated a day earlier by Shandong University with the assistance of the Embassy.

“The protection masks will prove invaluable in the fight to eradicate the COVID-19 virus which has had a devastating impact globally”, said Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede, UJ’s Head of the Division for Internationalisation . “The masks will help in keeping our students and staff safe whilst they are on campus which is one step which will contribute to us eventually beating the virus.”

“It is only through mutual collaboration with our international partner universities and governments that we will be able to succeed. The unique and special relationship that South Africa and China share in various areas will contribute immensely to overcoming this challenging period.”

It is during times of uncertainty that sincere words of encouragement and tangible actions make the greatest impact. We thank the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for their kind and well received donation.

UJ Library Makerspace develops 3D printed face shields in fight against COVID-19

​The UJ Library Makerspace team at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have joined efforts to curb the spread the COVID-19 pandemic by developing vital protective material. The Makerspace team begun using 3D printing and laser cutting equipment to produce surgical face shields in an effort to meet the rapidly growing need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers, in the midst of the coronavirus crisis. So far, 10 shields have been distributed to various campus clinics at the University, with another seven set to be delivered to Netcare911, according to UJ’s Makerspace expert, Rudie Strauss. “Makerspaces are places where you can do prototyping and small-batch production very rapidly and inexpensively,” explains Strauss...read more