
With the support of GIZ
Sequencers Ndlovu research laboratory
SequencerNdlovu research laboratory
Thanks to the mediation of the Hugo Tempelman Foundation, the GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Entwicklungszusammenarbeit) has made a substantial contribution to the state-of-the-art equipment of the research laboratory and provided the sequencing equipment. With the help of GIZ, Ndlovu is now able to carry out 1,500 to 2,000 PCR tests per day. These are mainly carried out on behalf of two local South African mines.
However, the PCR tests are not only used by the mining industry to keep COVID-19 out of the workplace. They are also made available to the national health laboratories, for which the Ndlovu laboratory acts as an overflow laboratory. The Network for Genomic Surveillance in South Africa (NGS-SA) does not have a laboratory in the three northern provinces and Ndlovu can fill this gap. This is an important contribution that Ndlovu can make to containing the spread of COVID-19.
1,500 to 2,000
Test per day possible
Nldovu was invited to participate in the national surveillance group to track and study the epidemiology and movement of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its mutations.
The reputation that the NGO has gained with the national Ministry of Health is invaluable for the Group’s other aid projects.


Ceremonial handover
On August 12, 2021, the sequencing equipment, the Thermo Fisher Genexsus, was handed over at the Ndlovu Research Center.
Representatives of the German Embassy, the GIZ and the NICD were present to celebrate this important expansion of the research laboratory.
Dr. Andrea Knigge, GIZ: “It is a pleasure to work with the Ministry of Health and the Ndlovu Research Center. It is fantastic to see that such PPPs work and bear fruit. The commissioning of the Genexsus Sequencer is a major step forward in the control and development of the pandemic in South Africa.”