On August 12, 2021, the handover of the next-generation sequencer, the TF Genexsus, took place at the Ndlovu Research Center.
Representatives from the German Embassy, GIZ and NICD were present to celebrate this important expansion of the research laboratory. Variant studies for COVID19 and the development, tracking and discovery of these variants will be an important part of the development of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the control of the epidemic.
The Network for Genomic Surveillance in South Africa (NGS-SA) does not have a laboratory in the three northern provinces. With this generous donation from the GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), which was initiated by the Hugo Tempelman Foundation, the Ndlovu Research Laboratory can contribute to this important program.
Dr. Andrea Knigge, GIZ: “It is a pleasure to work with the Ministry of Health and the Ndlovu Research Centre. It is fantastic to see such facilities working and bearing fruit. The introduction of the Genexsus Sequencer is a big step forward in the control and development of the pandemic in South Africa.
