SA Born Billionaire Dr Patrick Soon-Shiong Giving Mzansi R3bn to Produce Vaccines
- South African-born billionaire Dr Patrick Soon-Shiong has made a remarkable contribution to Mzansi's fight against the Covid-19 virus
- Soon-Shiong has donated a whopping R3 billion to South Africa for the production of vaccines
- The biotech billionaire said South Africa has the science, the human capital, the capacity and the desire to produce vaccines
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Dr Patrick Soon-Shiong is one of the richest men in Los Angeles, but he has not forgotten where he comes from.
The biotech billionaire was born in South Africa and he is now honouring his roots with an impressive contribution to the country's fight against the coronavirus.
Source: Getty Images
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According to The New York Times, Soon-Shiong has dedicated $210 million - which is about R3 billion - towards the production of Covid-19 vaccines in South Africa.
“Our goal and our commitment is to come back to South Africa and transfer this kind of technology,” he said, adding: "Not only do we have the science, we have the human capital and the capacity and the desire."
Thuli Madonsela shared the article on Twitter and wrote:
"#GoodNews: Let’s hang in there. Vaccines are coming. In the meantime, let’s take collective action to prevent a #COVID19 #ThirdWave. It’s not a given that we must experience it."
Social media users applauded Soon-Shiong for donating the large sum of money to help curb the spread of the deadly virus.
Nic Spaull, @NicSpaull, wrote:
"Huge injection into South Africa’s vaccine production capabilities. Also reminded there are many pro-social South Africans (with lots of goodwill towards South Africa) living abroad. An untapped resource. Thanks Dr Soon-Shiong!"
Another social media user, @yakyak51, commented:
"What an AMAZING gesture of goodwill.We are mighty grateful, Dr Patrick Soon-Shiong."
However, there were those who feared the donation might go missing like so many of the other funds.
Twitter user, @simplypeace, said:
"I hope his company will purchase those vaccines or the money will be transferred to the vaccine manufacturers. Because we all know what will happen if that money can land in our government's hands."
Meanwhile, Briefly News reported previously that a Johannesburg woman has taken to social media to share her experience of getting the Covid-19 vaccine.
Lebogang Mashile is a mother and breadwinner and wanted to make sure to stick around for those who depended on her.
In the Twitter post, Mashile shared that she had taken her first jab in Soweto along with some healthcare workers. Although not a health professional herself, the poet claims to have received the vaccine to raise public awareness.
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Source: Briefly News
