Businessman Peet Viljoen Remembering the Poor in the Fight Against COVID-19
The South African story of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is still unfolding, with many people speculating how, or when, it will end. While that end is not yet in sight, with many scenarios envisaged for the world post-lockdown, there are other stories, human stories, that are taking place, and many remain untold.
One of these is the plight of the poor – not only during lockdown, but of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their lives in a world that will forever be changed. The poor in South Africa are marginalised every day, by various forces out of their control. Living hand-to-mouth, many in our country do not know where their next meal is coming from. They might not have a roof over their heads, their children do not have shelter, and their access to basic services such as healthcare and social welfare is restricted by their circumstances.
With every country in the world focused on preventing the spread of the virus throughout their populations, the emphasis is on prevention – wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, wear gloves, wear a mask, distance yourself socially from others. For the poor, many of these preventative measures are not an option. Obtaining personal protective gear such as masks, is particularly difficult. Whether due to lack of access or lack of funds, the simple act of wearing a face mask can seem out of reach for a person without means.
Well-known Pretoria philanthropist and businessman in the beauty industry, Peet Viljoen, has responded to this dire need amongst the poorer communities, commissioning the production of thousands of fabric face masks to donate to those less fortunate, as well as to those in the critical roles of essential services, who are still operating during lockdown.
“When people experience a serious crisis such as global pandemic, it can be easy to focus inwards,” says Peet. “It is understandable – the need to protect oneself and one’s family first is one that makes sense. However, it is precisely in times like these that we need to focus our energies outwards, and care for those who do not have the means to care for themselves.”
Prior to the lockdown starting, Peet realised that not only South Africa, but the globe, was in the midst of a shortage of face masks, and immediately starting planning a solution.
“We already had a fully-equipped textile manufacturing and fabric stitching operation that we used to manufacture uniforms, masks and other clothing items for the beauty industry,” explains Peet. “We quickly found a way to repurpose this factory to mass-produce face masks. Not only are these masks available to the public to purchase, but we are able to donate large quantities to various deserving members of society, and their families. Wearing a mask might seem like a small part of protecting oneself against COVID-19, but for someone who could not otherwise afford one, this simple donation can make a world of difference.”
Along with hand sanitizer that is comprised of over 70% alcohol, Peet has distributed thousands of these masks to those in need.
The fabric masks are both reversible and washable, and can be disinfected, making them reusable. The outer layer features moisture-wicking fabric that does not trap moisture and offers exceptional breathability. “Our masks are also water-resistant and tear-resistant, with 500-thread cotton twill on the inner layer, making them comfortable as well as durable,” explains Peet. “This may seem like a small gesture to some, but it is initiatives like this that will help flatten the curve in the spread of the virus in our country, and keep people out of hospitals and our already-constrained healthcare facilities. I would challenge every business that has the means to donate protective gear to those less fortunate, to do so without delay, and assist our government in protecting our people against this deadly threat.”
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