Businessman Patrice Motsepe has donated over R10 million to the Ebola Fund in Guinea to help fight the disease in West Africa, African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) said on Tuesday.

The donation was made on behalf of the Motsepe Foundation and ARM, of whom Motsepe is the executive chairman, ARM said in a statement.

“Mr Motsepe made the commitment to Guinea a few weeks ago and the appropriate regulatory approvals were obtained on Friday.”

The donation was US1m (about R10.93m).

“The donation will assist Guinea with clinical management, social mobilisation, medical co-ordination and other key mechanisms of controlling the disease,” the company said.

“The Motsepe Foundation will continue to contribute and assist in the fight against Ebola in West Africa and will work together with various stakeholders and other interested parties.”

Motsepe called on the African and international business community, and medical fraternity, to continue contributing to the fight against the disease.

“According to the World Health Organisation, Ebola is an epidemic in certain countries in West Africa,” Motsepe said.

“However the impact of the disease has potentially far-reaching consequences for West Africa, Africa and the world. It is a global issue which requires the global community to work together and bring an end to the disease.”

US news agency Associated Press reported on Monday that Ebola has killed nearly 5000 people, mostly in Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. SAPA