The Welcome Centre is the new main entrance to the hospital.

At the height of the Coronavirus crisis in 2020, BMW Group South Africa, in partnership with the German Federal Government, the German Corporation for International Cooperation, and the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) committed to a R76 million investment in eight healthcare facilities in Gauteng. These healthcare facilities would receive upgrades and equipment in line with BMW Group South Africa’s support of community-based health care services.

BMW Group South Africa initially planned to upgrade the accident and emergency facilities at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), but later committed to its greater refurbishment by constructing the Welcome Centre. The vehicle manufacturer also donated an ambulance and 300 beds that were distributed to the hospital’s cluster in Pretoria.

Speaking at the centre’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, Peter van Binsbergen said: “The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a pivot to more support for healthcare initiatives. We gladly heeded the call, collaborating with the German and South African governments, GIZ, and the provincial Department of Health to bring about significant change. We have achieved incredible targets that are truly of social value and impact in these communities. We hope that the hospital continues to provide refuge for those affected by the pandemic.”

BMW Group South Africa concludes its work at DGMAH and its COVID-19 and healthcare initiatives but continues its focus on education. The company remains committed to the upliftment of South Africa and the Soshanguve, Hammanskraal, Ga-Rankuwa and Mabopane communities of Pretoria, where many of its BMW Group Plant Rosslyn associates live.

The unveiling follows that of the overflow facility that BMW Group South Africa helped to construct at Bronkhorstspruit Hospital in May 2021. It is the largest of the company’s hospital projects with a 150-bed capacity structure.

BMW Group South Africa partnered with the South African Red Cross Society to provide 17 BMW X3 vehicles in aid of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company also provided more than 40 000 protective respiratory face masks to the GDoH.