SED Initiatives

Health Minister supports Stephen Saad’s initiative as he raises R10m for children Durban: Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi’s support of the Sifiso Nxasana Paediatric Trust for the Children of Africa (“the Trust”), which is raising funds for paediatric hospitals, is paying off with R10 million already raised. The campaign was recently launched by pharmaceutical entrepreneur Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive, as a personal commitment to making a quality healthcare difference for all children. Dr Motsoaledi demonstrated his support of the campaign by leading the field of cyclists alongside Saad in the inaugural 240 km Aspen Trans Karoo mountain bike challenge from Ceres to Sutherland in the Western Cape. Saad said “The Minister’s commitment to establishing and enhancing healthcare facilities for children has been amazing. His enthusiastic participation in the event proves that he truly cares about their needs and he demonstrated this with his peddling power.” Dr Motsoaledi supports the urgent need for public-private partnerships in addressing the shortage of paediatric healthcare. “The challenges confronting us are huge and government alone cannot adequately address them. We are glad that Aspen has identified this gap and are sharing our vision of ensuring that all children, regardless of their socio-economic status have access to quality paediatric care in our country”, said the health Minister. “We have an obligation to care for our children and we’re calling on local and offshore businesses who have an interest in Africa to support the Trust. We’re grateful for the pledges of R10 million received so far and I’m confident that we can raise so much more,” said Saad who has challenged big businesses to follow the Health Minister’s lead and make a meaningful paediatric difference through the Trust. Saad completed the race just short of 16 hours and said that it was a fabulous feeling to cross the finish line, knowing that his efforts would make a huge healthcare difference for children. Former South African Iron Man Raynark Tissink won the race with Hannele Steyn being the first lady to cross the finish line. The 18½ hour race route reached its highest point at 185km, with a 724m climb over 6km on a 12% gradient. South Africa needs more paediatric hospitals. There are only 4 in Africa to serve some 450 million children. The only such facility in South Africa is the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town. Canada has 23, Australia has 19 and there are 20 in Germany. The two primary beneficiaries of the Trust have been identified as the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital and the Kwa-Zulu Natal Children’s Hospital. The Trust was established to support the Long Ride for Sifiso Campaign following the untimely passing of Sifiso Nxasana, son of Judy Dlamini and her husband Sizwe Nxasana, CEO of FirstRand Ltd. Judy is the Chairman of Aspen. To support the Trust, download and complete the Sifiso Nxasana Long Ride Campaign pledge form on www.transkaroomtb.co.za.

Stephen Saad completes grueling Aspen Trans Karoo challenge Sutherland, Western Cape: Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive, completed the grueling inaugural 240km Aspen Trans Karoo mountain bike challenge in 15hrs59min30sec in a bid to raise funds for desperately needed paediatric healthcare facilities in South Africa. Raynard Tissink won the endurance race in a time of 9hrs42min. The challenge started at Ezelfontein in Ceres and stretched to Sutherland in the Western Cape. Tissink completed the race some 4 minutes head of Timo Cooper and Hannes Hanekom who crossed the line in second and third place respectively. Hannele Steyn was the first lady home with a time of 11hrs32min44sec. Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive started the grueling race together in support of healthcare facilities for children in South Africa. Saad took on the challenge to raise funds for children’s hospitals through the Sifiso Nxasana Paediatric Trust for the Children of Africa (“the Trust”), which Stephen recently established. The initiative was fully embraced by Dr Motsoaledi as was demonstrated through his race participation. Saad said, “The race was a beast but an incredible endurance challenge as I’d never cycled this distance before. It was a fabulous feeling to cross the finish line, knowing that my efforts would make a huge healthcare difference for children, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds.” He completed the race together with team Aspen cyclists Chris Mortimer, a non-executive director of Aspen, Rob Scott and Rick Kennedy. The 18½-hour race route reached its highest point at 185km, with a 724m climb over 6km on a 12% gradient. Additional first place race results included: Two man solo team: Mathew Wentworth & Hudson Chevallier. Two ladies team: Anneke Jacobs and Alma Colyn. Two mixed team: Neil and Belinda van Tonder. Four man team: Ben Mathewson, Craig Lillie, John Andrew and Jason Bailey. Four mixed team: Jean Goussard, Francois Boonzaier, Andre du Toit and Hannelle Smith. Saad has been calling on organisations that have an interest in Africa to support the Trust through sponsorship or donations. The two primary beneficiaries are the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital and the Kwa-Zulu Natal Children’s Hospital. The Trust was established to support the Long Ride for Sifiso Campaign following the untimely passing of Sifiso Nxasana, son of Judy Dlamini and her husband Sizwe Nxasana, CEO FirstRand Ltd. Judy is the Chairman of Aspen. Africa presently has 4 specialist paediatric facilities to care for some 450 million children with the only local facility being the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town. In contrast, there are 23 children’s hospitals in Canada, 19 in Australia and 20 in Germany. To support the Trust, download and complete the Sifiso Nxasana Long Ride Campaign pledge form on www.transkaroomtb.co.za.

Ceres, Western Cape: Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive started the grueling inaugural 240km Aspen Trans Karoo mountain bike challenge together earlier today to enhance healthcare for children in South Africa. Stephen said, “Raising funds for paediatric healthcare facilities through the Sifiso Nxasana Paediatric Trust for the Children of Africa (“the Trust”) has been the primary motivator for participating in this race. We are delighted that Dr Motosaledi has embraced our vision to provide enhanced access to quality healthcare for all children – irrespective of their socio-economic background.” Dr Motsoaledi supports the urgent need for public-private partnerships in addressing the shortage of paediatric healthcare. “The challenges confronting us are huge and government alone cannot adequately address them. We are glad that Aspen has identified this gap and are sharing our vision of ensuring that all children, regardless of their socio-economic status have access to quality paediatric care in our country”, said the health Minister. Saad has been calling on organisations that have an interest in Africa to support this worthy cause through sponsorship or donations. “The children of Africa need the support of large organisations. The response to this initiative has been encouraging and we hope to make a meaningful contribution to our two primary beneficiaries, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital and the Kwa-Zulu Natal Children’s Hospital.” Africa presently has 4 specialist paediatric facilities to care for some 450 million children with the only local facility being the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town. In contrast, there are 23 children’s hospitals in Canada, 19 in Australia and 20 in Germany. The Trust was established to support the Long Ride for Sifiso Campaign following the untimely passing of Sifiso Nxasana, son of Judy Dlamini and her husband Sizwe Nxasana, CEO FirstRand Ltd. Judy is the Chairman of Aspen. Judy and Sizwe were in attendance together with their extended families to pay tribute to Sifiso and to encourage the 220 cyclists who set off in pleasant conditions on the 240 km challenge from Ezelfontein in Ceres to Sutherland in the Western Cape. Judy said that it was a fitting opportunity to demonstrate support for the establishment and enhancement of paediatric healthcare for Southern Africa’s children. Former President Nelson Mandela’s living legacy is to build a state-of-the-art children’s hospital that will provide paediatric care for all children across Africa. The Kwa-Zulu Natal Children’s Hospital is also being re-established to provide for the regional healthcare needs of approximately 3 million children. To support the Trust, download and complete the Sifiso Nxasana Long Ride Campaign pledge form on www.transkaroomtb.co.za.

Durban: South African pharmaceutical social entrepreneur, Stephen Saad, has embarked on a personal initiative to help raise funds for paediatric healthcare facilities in South Africa. Stephen Saad said, “I fully embrace the social obligation to raise funds for the healthcare needs of underprivileged children and I’m calling on all organisations that have an interest in Africa, to support this worthy cause through sponsorship or a donation. The Sifiso Nxasana Paediatric Trust for the Children of Africa (“the Trust”) has been established for this purpose. On April 28, I’ll be cycling in the grueling 24 hour – 240km Trans Karoo mountain bike challenge from Ceres to Sutherland to help raise funds for the establishment and enhancement of children’s hospitals.” Stephen’s motivation to do the challenge is based on his belief that all children deserve quality care and as a dedication to the sad and untimely passing of Sifiso Nxasana. Sifiso was the son of Judy Dlamini and her husband Sizwe Nxasana, CEO FirstRand Ltd. Saad’s Long Ride for Sifiso Campaign, which will raise funds for the Trust, has been welcomed and endorsed by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who said “Every effort must be made to ensure that future generations are provided with healthcare facilities that meet their needs – irrespective of their economic or social background. This Trust will demonstrate the support of local and international businesses alike towards caring for children who have previously not had access to specialist medical services. It is hoped this is the start of a closer co-operation between the public and private sectors in order to drive improved healthcare for all.” There is a desperate need for quality pediatric healthcare in South Africa. Presently there are only 4 specialist paediatric facilities in Africa to care for some 450 million children. The only local facility is the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town. This is a shocking comparison to the 23 children’s hospitals in Canada, 19 in Australia and 20 in Germany. Two beneficiaries have provisionally been earmarked for the Trust, namely the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital and the KwaZulu-Natal Children’s Hospital. Former President Nelson Mandela’s living legacy is to build a state-of-the-art children’s hospital that will provide paediatric care for all children across Africa. The Kwa-Zulu Natal Children’s Hospital is also being re-established to provide for the regional healthcare needs of approximately 3 million children. The Trust aims to: Make a meaningful contribution in addressing paediatric public healthcare needs, particularly for children from historically disadvantaged or resource constrained backgrounds. Improve access and affordability to paediatric care, particularly in those areas that requires specialist paediatric care. Ensure sustainability and appropriate resourcing of these facilities. Develop adequate management capacity and human resourcing in these facilities. Contribute to the overall strengthening of the South African Public Healthcare system. Provide hope to those children, who would otherwise have limited or no prospect of survival. Saad’s philanthropic spirit concerning the healthcare needs of the people of Africa can be traced back to the start of the century, when he convinced multinational pharmaceutical companies to release the patents held on anti-retroviral (ARV) medication in order to provide affordable treatment to the millions of HIV/Aids patients on the African continent. Saad succeeded in his pioneering endeavor, and in 2003 Aspen launched the first generic ARV to provide hope to those suffering from this disease. Currently some 900 000 patients across Africa take an Aspen ARV daily. To support the Trust, download and complete the Sifiso Nxasana Long Ride Campaign pledge form on www.transkaroomtb.co.za.

Aspen’s CSI programmes provide increased ARV access to mothers and infants Johannesburg. Aspen Pharmacare, South Africa’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, as part of its continued social commitment programme has established an antiretroviral (“ARV”) dispensary and has contributed to the upgrading of critical theatre equipment at the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital (“RMMCH”) in Coronationville. Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Pharmacare’s Senior Executive, Strategic Trade Development said “The establishment of the ARV dispensary at the RMMCH makes a meaningful difference to both HIV infected mothers and their babies who would otherwise have limited access to life saving ARV treatment. There is a notable pediatric shortage of public sector ARV treatment. This social investment provides HIV positive mothers and their babies who are born and treated at RMMCH with the hope of living a relatively normal, healthy life.” Chief Operating Officer of Gauteng Health, Dr Abdul Rahman said “RMMCH has a large maternal unit which was in desperate need of pediatric access to ARV treatment for infants and toddlers. ”Aspen has proven to be a reliable partner when we have needed Corporate Social assistance”. Nicolaou said, “This contribution forms part of Aspen’s ongoing CSI commitment towards assisting in addressing the shortages of primary healthcare and SA’s public health challenges in general. Aspen’s focus of alleviating the plight of HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis infected patients, remains core to our CSI initiatives. South Africa has one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates which is regrettably in line with that of some of the least develop countries. We have an obligation as a responsible corporate citizen to assist in public health challenges and to endeavor to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged communities. We have been delivering on this responsibility and on our commitment to the people of South Africa for more than a decade”. Aspen’s most significant CSI accomplishments include, among others, the construction and improvement of seven healthcare facilities in previously disadvantaged communities. The supported clinics are able to provide a broad range of primary healthcare services, including the treatment of acute conditions, the provision of HIV/Aids services, the supply of prescribed medication, healthcare awareness training session and HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis management programmes. L-R: Dr Abdul Rahman, Chief Operating Officer of Gauteng Health, Dr Edward Hand, Clinical Manager Rahima Moosa Clinic, Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Pharmacare – Senior Executive Strategic Trade Development, Jackie Tau, Aspen Pharmacare – CSI Manager.

JSE listed Aspen Pharmacare, Africa’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer and the leading global player in generic anti-retrovirals (ARVs), earlier today opened a R1 million wellness centre in the Eastern Cape.   Through a public-private partnership, Aspen’s investment in the establishment of the Wells Estate Wellness Centre will enhance the primary healthcare services at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Wells Estate Clinic.   Stephen Saad, Aspen Group CEO said “Aspen remains committed to the social and economic upliftment of the Eastern Cape. We are proud to be aligned with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and the Wells Estate Wellness Centre and to be in a position to assist with the healthcare needs of this community.”   “Aspen has remained committed to finding a meaningful solution to the HIV/Aids blight for years. Our world class oral solid dose facility in Port Elizabeth has been accredited by the US Food and Drug Administration, the Medicines Control Council, the World Health Organisation and the United Kingdom’s Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority. This endorsement enables Aspen to manufacture cost effective, quality generic ARVs in fighting the scourge of HIV/Aids.   At the opening Werner van Rensburg, Aspen’s Group Operations Director said Aspen remains committed to investing and expanding in the Eastern Cape. These initiatives include the construction of a R200 million sterile injectible facility which also requires improved skills development of the highly qualified employees positioned in these technically advanced facilities.   Van Rensburg indicated that the new centre will provide for the treatment of chronic diseases and also includes a dental clinic. Once accreditation is secured, this centre will also serve as a fully functional HIV/Aids facility focusing on treatment, counselling, education, home based care, nutrition and administering of ARVs.   In 2001 Mr Nelson Mandela opened the Transkei-based Engcobo Clinic which Aspen had established for that community. The Wells Estate Wellness Centre is an extension of Aspen’s efforts to assist in enhancing capacity and providing basic healthcare facilities for underprivileged communities.