Amid the global pandemic hand washing with soap or using sanitiser has become one of the top measures recommended to help curb the spread of the virus, creating unprecedented levels of demand for alcohol-based sanitisers.

In response, four academics and two laboratory technicians in the subject group Chemistry at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus are producing sanitisers that can neutralise the virus and help prevent the spread of infection.

Dr Zimbili Mkhize, Prof Lebo Katata-Seru, Dr Mduduzi Cele and Sphelele Sosibo, along with laboratory technicians Murendeni Ravele and Michael Nengwekhulu, are at the forefront of this initiative.

The team followed the formula recommended by the World Health Organization in making the sanitisers, which are available as a spray and a gel.

The main ingredients of the spray-on sanitiser include ethanol/isopropanol, glycerol, deionised water and essential oils (tea tree, lavender and vitamin E). The gel sanitisers are made from ethanol/isopropanol, glycerol, deionised water, hydroxyethyl cellulose and essential oils (tea tree, lavender, moringa and vitamin E).

Meanwhile, deputy vice-chancellor for Mahikeng Campus operations Prof Marilyn Setlalentoa accompanied the researchers on 15 June to hand over much needed sanitisers to the Sebopiwa Molema and Tetlano Secondary Schools situated at Signal Hill and Motlhabeng Villages, respectively.

“The NWU is part of the wider community and initiatives such as these showcase the expertise that we have as an institution of higher learning,” says Prof Setlalentoa.

Principals, teachers and school governing body members from the two schools praised the NWU for the gesture, especially in light of the imminent return of learners to schools.

Dr Zimbili Mkhize, deputy subject group leader, says Prof David Modise, executive dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and Prof Helen Drummond, deputy dean in the faculty, have been very supportive.

“Prof Modise secured the necessary funding for this project, which is crucial to support the university and the community throughout this ongoing health crisis,” says Dr Mkhize.

Dr Zimbili Mkhize and Prof Lebo Seru hand over some of the sanitiser to Prof Marilyn Setlalentoa.

Teachers and school governing body members from the Sebopiwa Molema Secondary School celebrate a donation of sanitisers from the NWU Chemistry subject group.

Teachers and school governing body members from the Tetlano Secondary School proudly display the sanitisers that the subject group donated.