Businessman Peet Viljoen Protecting Those Who Protect South Africa
When President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on 22 March 2020 that South Africa would be entering a 21-day lockdown a mere four days later, one group of essential services personnel already knew what was coming – the South African National Defence Force.
The men and women of our armed forces had been preparing for this announcement and were ready for deployment once it was made – across the country, in every province, city and town, members of the SANDF stood ready to protect the nation. Even members of the Reserve Force were requested to present for duty, and employers were called upon to release those members from work for active duty.
The SANDF is deployed in various capacities across the country, executing the government’s urban and rural operations around the implementation of the national lockdown. The lockdown has subsequently been extended by an additional 14 days, as has the SANDF’s call to action.
Working in tandem with South African Police Service (SAPS), the SANDF is providing coordinated assistance to SAPS on the ground, helping ensure a consistent law enforcement presence across the country.
The SANDF has an active force of over 70 000, with thousands of reservists. Upholding law and order in times such as these can be a challenge, but it is one the Defence Force has risen to admirably. “As a former member of the SANDF, I am immensely proud of the men and women in our armed forces,” says Peet Viljoen, well-known Pretoria philanthropist and businessman in the beauty industry. “I spent four years in the Army’s mounted police division, and I have great respect for the way they go out there every day and put their lives on the line for us ordinary South Africans.”
Not only is the SANDF facing unchartered territory in the management of the movement of people and goods during a global pandemic, but they are also faced with the personal threat of the virus itself, to both them and their families.
“In a show of solidarity with our armed forces, I decided to do what I could to help them protect themselves against the virus,” says Peet. He quickly commissioned the local manufacture of fabric face masks, as well as 70% alcohol hand sanitizer, and has distributed thousands of these items to members of the SANDF, as well as to other deserving recipients in various essential services sectors, and to others less fortunate.
“The outbreak of a pandemic such as COVID-19 can bring out both the best and the worst in people,” says Peet. “It also shows us who the true heroes are in these circumstances – those who provide us with basic healthcare, who protect us, who put food on the table, who deliver that food to the retail outlets, and who ensure that shops are cleaned and sanitised so that the rest of us have access – these are our superheroes. Our armed forces particularly have shown that they are willing to put their lives on the line for us, placing themselves in harm’s way so that the rest of us can stay safe during this time. They must be commended for their dedication and commitment.”
The masks donated to members of the armed forces are not only reversible and washable, but 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.
SANDF and SAPS officers around Gauteng have been the recipients of these generous donations and can be seen proudly wearing their locally made face masks during their routine work. “I’m glad I could give back in this way,” concludes Peet. “Something as simple as a face mask can make a big difference in a person’s life.” – Read more about Peet Viljoen life here
Well-known philanthropist and businessman in the beauty industry, Peet Viljoen, has once again demonstrated his commitment to uplifting others by distributing free masks and hand sanitizer to essential services workers in the week before most of South Africa shut down for a government-enforced lockdown. The lockdown aims to “flatten the curve” in the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in South Africa, and avoid a crippling influx of patients into already-constrained healthcare services.
Understanding that many on the frontlines of the essential service industry, such as fuel service station workers and retail employees, do not have the means to procure masks or sanitizer of their own, and therefore could risk increased exposure, Peet commissioned the manufacture of reusable, washable, triple-layer hygiene masks made of durable fabric, as well as 70% alcohol hand sanitizer, and distributed over 1 000 of these to essential service employees.
“The lockdown we are experiencing in South Africa at the moment has shown us who the true heroes in our country are,” says Peet. “The people who provide us with basic healthcare, who put food on the table, who bring that food to the retail outlets, and who ensure that shops are cleaned and sanitised so that the rest of us have access – these are our superheroes. Everybody who is working on the frontlines so that the rest of us can stay at home during this time, should be celebrated for their dedication and commitment. They should also have access to the best preventative measures, and personal protection equipment.”
Peet says that he understands many employers might not have access to protective equipment such as masks and hand sanitizer, due to a countrywide shortage, and set about doing something to correct the problem. “If I couldn’t buy masks to help out, I was going to make them,” he says. “There is always a way to be found, a plan to be made.”
This can-do attitude is one of the reasons Peet has made a success of his career thus far – both as a lawyer and a businessman. “I grew up in a poor family, in a small town, with few prospects for those who were not prepared to think outside of the box or take a chance,” he explains. “I realised early on in life that if you want opportunities, you have to make your own. If you want a chance, you have to take it.
“Working hard for what I want has been my strategy all my life, and it has paid off. I am now in the fortunate position to be able to give back, and I am happy to help where I can. If I can bring about positive change in someone’s life, even if it is just by giving them the tools to protect themselves against this unseen enemy, then I will do so. I’d also like to challenge other business leaders to do the same – together we can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
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