Limpopo Health Department says some of the facilities will also be used by children who don't have cancer.

The Polokwane Hospital’s paediatric oncology unit have been given a complete refurbishment. This is as a result of a partnership between the hospital and the Coca Cola beverages company.

New consulting and isolation rooms have been built, and there is a fresh coat of paint and child friendly murals in the ward.

There is also a classroom, library and play area.

The acting head of the Limpopo Health Department, Thokozani Mhlongo says some of the facilities will also be used by children who don’t have cancer.

“Just to look at the aspect of the kids who are very sick, and also extending it to kids who are not Leukaemia, who are not actually oncology, but if you can see there are other resources in terms of the library, the school and the play area… it’s going to be shared by all the kids… healing starts with the mind. When the kids themselves are finding themselves in an environment that is receptive enough, it also accelerates healing. So it is not about the medication and the tablets.”

Coca Cola’s Supply Chain manager in Polokwane, Derin Rampersad says they plan to sustain their relationship with the hospital in order to benefit more patients.

“It was an opportunity to engage with the greater community and invest with the greater community. We must walk hand in hand with governmental organisations. Our employees are members of these communities… we must invest back. This is a small step in terms of improving the greater community, and we would encourage any other corporate out there within the Limpopo region or otherwise to look at options, to look at opportunities.”