"It is these vehicles that will be used to transport our healthcare workers to where they are needed most. Engen would like to pay tribute to, and applaud our amazing frontline health workers, who are the real heroes in the unfolding crisis," says Engen managing director and chief executive officer Yusa' Hassan.

According to Engen, the department of health's frontline emergency response vehicle fleet will continue to play a vital role in the extension of health services to less privileged South Africans.

"We trust that our fuel contribution will help ensure that our national health services are able to provide medical care to the most vulnerable members of society when it is needed most," says Hassan.

"We want to encourage others to come on board to give us support on a continuous basis," says health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize.

Hassan says that it is Engen's patriotic duty to step up and support government in taking proactive steps to contain and overcome the pandemic. "Engen praises the government for the urgent and comprehensive manner taken to manage the pandemic and to safeguard South Africans against COVID-19 infection," says Hassan. 

"While the path ahead is uncertain, we at Engen firmly believe in the measures our government is taking to ensure the health and wellbeing of the great nation of South Africa," Hassan adds.

"And while we are grateful to our government, we are also humbled by the work of the many NGOs, businesses and individual citizens who have all pulled together in an effort to combat the pandemic. The entire Engen family are with all of you during these challenging times," Hassan says. 

Engen's contribution to the fight against COVID-19 includes a number of other investments, including R2.5-million wothr of fuel and medical testing equipment to the Gift of the Givers for humanitarian relief.

Recently Engen also launched a campaign to support the fight against COVID-19 by educating local communities on safety measures to curb the spread of the virus by branding 35 spaza shops across the country with educational murals to convey important messages on personal safety.

Furthermore, Engen fuel retailers from Johannesburg brought some hope and relief to the people of Diepsloot by distributing 1 000 food hampers and basic supplies, including blankets.

"While we know it will take much more to alleviate the stress that many of our compatriots are facing, we hope our contribution will make a small difference to each person who receives the comfort of a helping hand as a result of our efforts," adds Hassan.

For more information, visit www.engen.co.za. You can also follow Engen on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.