The North-West University (NWU) is currently partnering with the Jomo Kennyata University in Kenya and aims to use Kenya’s health facilities to trial and possibly market three of its recently developed Covid-19 solutions.

“We don’t have the luxury of making a difference only in South Africa. We think of making a difference in Africa and the rest of the world,” says Prof Leenta Grobler, acting director for business development and stakeholder engagement at the NWU’s Faculty of Engineering.

Prof Grobler delivered the keynote address during the NWU’s Africa Day Webinar titled: “Silencing the guns: creating conducive conditions for Africa development and intensifying the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic”.

Among the practical applications developed by the NWU in the fight against the pandemic is the Tjoptjop Covid-screening application which was developed in a very short period.

“We never had the intention of taking this to market. It was never the aim to generate any profit. It was to help teachers to focus on learning as opposed to collecting temperature data,” explains Prof Grobler.

“However, I am extremely excited as we sit here today, that Tjoptjop is being used to screen at least 22 000 kids in South Africa on a daily basis.

“All these initiatives, including the automated remote PCR device which will help with testing turn-around times during pandemics, demonstrate how technology and digital health solutions can make a big impact in our world and make a tangible difference in Africa,” she adds.

Africa Day is intended to celebrate and acknowledge the success of the Organisation of African Unity (now known as the African Union), which was created on 25 May 1963 in the fight against colonialism and apartheid.

This year’s Africa Month is commemorated under the theme: “The year of Arts, Culture and Heritage: In the year of Charlotte Maxeke”. Dr Maxeke rose above the limitations imposed by the apartheid regime to become a political leader and was highly educated despite the challenges of the 1900s. The Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg is named in her honour.

Meanwhile, as the African continent continues to make progress in improving the lives of its citizens, numerous challenges remain.

“As we sit here today, we are looking to other countries to support our people with things like vaccines. It’s incumbent upon us not to look back and lament, but to look for solutions for the Africa that we want to see”, says Clement Manoko, executive director for corporate relations and marketing at the NWU.

Well-known poet, Mandisa Mbongi, delivered a few moving poems in celebration of the NWU’s Africa Day festivities.

Click here to watch the recording of the webinar 

 Prof Leenta Grobler delivered the keynote address during the NWU’s Africa Day Webinar.

 Clement Manoko, executive director for corporate relations and marketing, was the master of ceremonies at the event.