Friday, 18 April 2008
Thursday, 17 April 2008
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
Day 5: Bhubezi Clinc and a very long drive
Today we were very sad to leave Ulusaba but looking forward to visiting the Bhubezi Community Healthcare Centre in nearby Lillydale.
But before we could make much progress on the road, we slotted in a 2 hour tanning session as we waited in the sun for our driver who was two hours late! We were then delayed a further hour as a truck got itself stuck in the middle of the road leaving no room to pass. On the positive side we spotted elephants, impala, and waterbuck while we waited.
Help arrived and we were finally able to make our way to the clinic.
Bhubezi is a state of the art, a one-stop centre for basic healthcare, TB, HIV and AIDS care. It was launched last year by Virgin Unite together with the US Government (PEPFAR/USAID), Anglo Coal and the Ndlovu Medical Centre.
Virgin Unite’s hope is that this innovative, public-private partnership will help tackle HIV/AIDS and save lives. This is especially critical in rural South Africa, where communities are struggling to provide decent healthcare, especially for those suffering from TB, HIV and AIDS.
We were given a tour by Dr. Gilbert Khosa, Bhubezi’s medical director, and had a chance to see for ourselves the amazing impact the clinic is having in the community.
To learn more, have a look at this short video about the clinic which Virgin Unite recently produced:
After our inspiring visit at the clinic, we set off for the long journey back to Jo’burg, where we arrived late and turned in early!
But before we could make much progress on the road, we slotted in a 2 hour tanning session as we waited in the sun for our driver who was two hours late! We were then delayed a further hour as a truck got itself stuck in the middle of the road leaving no room to pass. On the positive side we spotted elephants, impala, and waterbuck while we waited.
Help arrived and we were finally able to make our way to the clinic.
Bhubezi is a state of the art, a one-stop centre for basic healthcare, TB, HIV and AIDS care. It was launched last year by Virgin Unite together with the US Government (PEPFAR/USAID), Anglo Coal and the Ndlovu Medical Centre.
Virgin Unite’s hope is that this innovative, public-private partnership will help tackle HIV/AIDS and save lives. This is especially critical in rural South Africa, where communities are struggling to provide decent healthcare, especially for those suffering from TB, HIV and AIDS.
We were given a tour by Dr. Gilbert Khosa, Bhubezi’s medical director, and had a chance to see for ourselves the amazing impact the clinic is having in the community.
To learn more, have a look at this short video about the clinic which Virgin Unite recently produced:
After our inspiring visit at the clinic, we set off for the long journey back to Jo’burg, where we arrived late and turned in early!
Day 2: Big wheels keep on turning
We touched down this morning around 8:30 am local time. The group was pretty groggy, but very excited to get to Ulusaba and begin our work in the community.
But first, we stopped at the cargo area to pick up a massive shipment of donated goods collected by Robin Lane and Baltazar Nuñez. Kudos to Adam Arenstein for organising the shipment and a huge thanks to Virgin America & Virgin Atlantic cargo.
After a seven hour drive through a tempest we reached Ulusaba (Sir Richard Branson's Private Game Reserve) well after dark. It’s an absolutely magical place, and especially after dark. We were greeted by Lindsay Tite and her husband Johan, who graciously hosted us in their home. Lindsay manages Pride ‘n Purpose, charitable arm of Ulusaba, co-funded by the lodge and Virgin Unite.
Many of us had our first braai (Afrikaans for barbeque) that evening which we loved. Our solar outdoor showers were a bit chilly and so many of us opted instead for a very rapid wash inside before heading off to bed. Girls retired to the Lindsay’s loft, while the guys had a staff house all to themselves across the garden.
Good night for now and more tomorrow.
But first, we stopped at the cargo area to pick up a massive shipment of donated goods collected by Robin Lane and Baltazar Nuñez. Kudos to Adam Arenstein for organising the shipment and a huge thanks to Virgin America & Virgin Atlantic cargo.
After a seven hour drive through a tempest we reached Ulusaba (Sir Richard Branson's Private Game Reserve) well after dark. It’s an absolutely magical place, and especially after dark. We were greeted by Lindsay Tite and her husband Johan, who graciously hosted us in their home. Lindsay manages Pride ‘n Purpose, charitable arm of Ulusaba, co-funded by the lodge and Virgin Unite.
Many of us had our first braai (Afrikaans for barbeque) that evening which we loved. Our solar outdoor showers were a bit chilly and so many of us opted instead for a very rapid wash inside before heading off to bed. Girls retired to the Lindsay’s loft, while the guys had a staff house all to themselves across the garden.
Good night for now and more tomorrow.
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
Day 1: Off we go...
Today our group gathered at Heathrow for our flight to Johannesburg. After months of planning it was great to finally meet in person!
Our group is made up of 10 enthusiastic people from all around the Virgin Group, plus two from Virgin Unite. We're looking forward to getting stuck in and making a real difference. Play the slide show below to meet us and find out what we're most looking forward to about the trip.
Our group is made up of 10 enthusiastic people from all around the Virgin Group, plus two from Virgin Unite. We're looking forward to getting stuck in and making a real difference. Play the slide show below to meet us and find out what we're most looking forward to about the trip.
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