Business Mogul Peet Viljoen Supporting SA’s Healthcare Workers on the Frontline of COVID-19
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health workers at the front line of the COVID-19 outbreak response are exposed to numerous hazards that put them at risk of infection, including pathogen exposure, long working hours, psychological distress, fatigue, occupational burnout, stigma, and physical and psychological violence.
Healthcare workers in South Africa do not only include nurses, doctors and specialist physicians, but the myriad other people employed in the national healthcare sector, such as radiologists, respiratory technicians, physios, lab workers, pharmacists, clinic workers, cleaners, janitors and security guards. Also included in this group of essential workers are the thousands of people working for the National Department of Health, who are working around the clock to share information, build awareness, assist poorer communities, and curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic here in South Africa.
Even a normal, run-of-the-mill workday can be far from safe for a healthcare worker, with numerous opportunities for exposure to harm. The added stress of dealing with a global pandemic can take its toll.
“I have deep respect for every single person working in or with our healthcare system,” says Peet Viljoen, well-known Pretoria philanthropist and businessman in the beauty industry. “They are on the true frontlines of this global pandemic, putting their lives on the line for ordinary South Africans. I think we sometimes forget that these workers were on the frontlines before this pandemic started, but now, during the government-enforced lockdown to help curb the spread of COVID-19, their job is even harder.”
Peet notes that aside from the heightened threats facing them in their line of work, they are also not immune from the other fears and threats facing the rest of the country. “Heightened tensions due to lockdown circumstances, job loss frustrations within their families, restrictions on purchases and movement, and general discord are some of the things impacting healthcare workers and their families,” he says. “Add to this the personal threat of the virus itself to each healthcare or ancillary worker, and one begins to glimpse the sacrifices they are making on a daily basis.”
Many workers in the healthcare industry in South Africa do not have access to the correct protective equipment, especially face masks. “There is a global shortage of N-95 and other medical- or surgical-grade face masks,” says Peet. “Many healthcare workers are having to make do with other face coverings – or even nothing at all – while the country awaits stock of the required protective gear.”
When social distancing was implemented in South Africa, even before lockdown started, Peet saw how South Africa experienced a country-wide shortage of face masks, much like the rest of the world.
“We already had a fully-equipped textile manufacturing and stitching operation that we used to manufacture uniforms, masks and other clothing items for the beauty industry,” explains Peet. “We set about finding 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, not least our brave healthcare workers. We’ve also donated a number of facemasks to the families of healthcare workers, helping provide some peace of mind for those exposed on a daily basis.”
The masks manufactured by Peet’s team comply with stricter safety precautions than a normal fabric mask. Not only are they reversible and washable, but they 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. “Also, any branding featured on these masks will also not fade, keeping them looking professional and neat despite continuous use.”
Aside from healthcare workers, Peet and his team have also distributed thousands of these fabric face masks to other various deserving groups across Gauteng, including SAPS officers, army personnel, retail workers, security guards, petrol attendants and poorer communities. “We’re happy to help where we can,” says Peet. “We’re all in this together.”
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