The University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN) received ultra-fast Covid-19 test kit valued at $10 000, this was a donation made by the Gift the Givers foundation.
The ILEX Genehacker (testing unit) was donated to the institution after a request by UKZN researchers, professor Anil Chuturgoon, Dr Vernon Ramsuran and Dr. Lona Madurai.
Covid-19 cases within higher education institutions are expected to grow as institutions open up to more students and staff. The University of KwaZulu-Natal has reported the infections of a student and a staff member.Those who came into contact with the student and staff member have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
“This generous donation will greatly enhance our existing capacity to provide rapid results on Covid-19 tests for both our staff and students. At the same time by extending our testing facility to external stakeholders we are able to generate much needed third-stream income for the university”, acting dean of research in the CHS and a lead researcher in Covid-19 testing platforms at UKZN, Chuturgoon said.
