The launch of an electric vehicle (EV) charging station at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital in Midrand is the latest step towards a more environmentally sustainable future as part of an expanding project partnership between Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Chargify.
“The introduction of this flagship electric vehicle charging facility for the first time in our hospital division is as significant as the shift towards digital technology has proved to be,” says Andre Nortje, Netcare’s National Environmental Sustainability Manager.
“This project strongly resonates with Netcare’s commitment to reducing emissions and planning for sustainability in healthcare throughout our operations. We see huge potential for cutting our collective carbon footprint if more drivers know there is a reliable electric vehicle charging network, which our patients, visitors, doctors, and staff at Netcare Waterfall Hospital now can access.”
|
Through its environmental sustainability strategy, since 2013 Netcare has reduced energy consumption by 39%, water usage by 28%, and waste to landfill by 14%. With 38 awards for sustainability initiatives, Netcare Group has set the ambitious goal of purchasing 100% of its energy from renewable energy sources and reaching zero waste to landfill by 2030, with the long-term goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
“People considering buying a car should be encouraged to consider the advantages of electric powered cars as this technology becomes more widely available, gradually reducing our country’s reliance on fossil fuels for essential transport,” Nortje says.
|
Chargify, a company looking to drive EV adoption across South Africa, is actively working to build one of South Africa's most extensive EV public charging networks by fostering relationships with sites across the country, such as Netcare Waterfall City Hospital.
Any electric vehicle brand can use the Mercedes-Benz Chargify network, an added advantage for Mercedes-Benz EQ customers is a 10% discount when using these stations.
"Our vision as Chargify is to make the EV way of life feel normal and part of ‘everyday life’ in South Africa and partnering with Netcare, the country’s leading private healthcare provider, is one of the ways we’re doing so. Moreover, Netcare’s commitment to sustainability aligns with our intrinsic values of helping to shape a greener and more prosperous society. All of this, of course, was made possible through an investment by Mercedes-Benz South Africa," Kgosi Diphokwane, CEO of Chargify.
The event included a formal ribbon-cutting session, an exhibition with the Chargify EV charger, a couple of Mercedes-Benz EQs, as well as climate-based board games in support of Earth Day.
General manager of Netcare Waterfall City Hospital, Jaco du Preez, welcomed the rollout of the technology at the healthcare facility on Earth Day, Monday 22 April 2024, as the first in the Netcare Group. “All indications are that electric cars will be increasingly popular in years to come, and this installation of electric vehicle charging points is helping to futureproof our facility and our community,” Du Preez concludes.
Ends
Notes to editor
Experience seamless healthcare access with the Netcare App. Enjoy convenient healthcare anytime, anywhere, with expert medical care at your fingertips. Book appointments, consult with GPs virtually and manage pre-admissions all in one place. From emergency response services with geolocation to seamless admission, discover a new level of care. Download the Netcare App today. Alternatively, contact Netcare Appointmed on 0860 555 565, Mondays to Fridays, 08:00 to 17:00 to make an appointment with a therapist, doctor or specialist practising at a Netcare hospital, Netcare Medicross or Netcare Akeso facility near you.
For media enquiries, contact MNA at the contact details listed below.
Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare Waterfall City Hospital and Chargify
For media enquiries contact: Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, Estene Lotriet-Vorster and Clementine Forsthofer
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]