The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa, Fibre Circle and a number of key partners distributed 600 household handwashing units and 1 000 bottles of water to the community of Reiger Park on June 9. They further sponsored 75 masks to Ramaphosa Recycling and Projects Cooperative.
Msizi Nyembe, founder of the Hlanzumhlamba initiative, explained that AECI, as part of the National Business Initiative and Business for SA Covid-19 water response team, made the donation of units and water possible.
“My task mandated by our client, PAMSA, is to enlighten Ramaphosa Recycling and Projects Cooperative to opportunities and value inside the paper value-chain. Waste warriors ( pickers) are the engine of the South African waste economy and they deserve the support,” said Nyembe.
He highlighted that the main objective of the project is to help flatten the curve and to give back to the community.
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“This will help curb the spread of the virus because all they have to do is to put some soap on the side and fill the bottle with water. The beneficiaries of the units could install these units easily so they could wash their hands before entering the house. We also handed out a bar of soap with each unit,” the founder added.
During the hand-over, Nyembe demonstrated to the community how to use the units in a safe and hygienic manner. He said that when using the bottles to wash hands, people should use the back of their hand to press the bottle to release water as the palm of a person’s hand contains germs and dirt.
The team already visited numerous underprivileged communities in Ekurhuleni such as Angelo, Good Hope, Thembisa and will visit a few more.
Mitta Phari, a pensioner from Reiger Park, was thrilled about receiving a hand-washing unit.
“Words can’t explain how happy I am right now,” the resident added. “I would like to thank the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa and Fibre Circle for their support. This unit is going to help us a lot even though we have water at home. We really appreciate their support. I just feel safer now that my family can wash their hands,” said Phari.
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