Businessman Peet Viljoen Easing the Burden on SA’s Retail Workers Facing COVID-19
Every morning, usually many hours before the rest of South Africa is waking up, thousands of people get out of bed, get ready for work, and venture out into the world, mentally preparing themselves to face another day of working in the retail sector.
Aside from the usual work-related challenges faced by many retail workers, the lockdown enforced by government on 27 March 2020 has meant additional difficulties, many of which they would never have imagined a few short months ago. While the rest of South Africa is practicing social distancing, and leaving home for essentials only, retail workers are on the frontline of this essential service.
A large percentage of these workers use public transport, which itself has had new rules and restrictions imposed, such as limited passengers and operating times. This means planning ahead for a potentially longer journey to work, and once there, the challenge of facing hundreds – if not thousands – of members of the public doing their shopping.
Every shopper holds the potential for exposing these retail workers to COVID-19, and while most retailers have put numerous protective measures in place, the stress of facing this disease on a daily basis can take its toll.
This stress, coupled with supply chain issues, frustrated customers and colleagues, and the worry of bringing home the virus to their families, can be compounded if retail workers don’t have the protection they require.
“Our retail workers are our unsung heroes,” says Peet Viljoen, well-known Pretoria philanthropist and businessman in the beauty industry. “Every day, they report for duty so that ordinary South Africans can shop for essentials to feed and care for their families. It can already be challenging working with the public day in and day out. Now, during the government-enforced lockdown to help curb the spread of COVID-19, their job is even harder.”
Peet quickly realised that many retail workers might not have the means to procure protective items such as face masks and could therefore risk increased exposure. He commissioned the local manufacture of fabric face masks and has distributed thousands of them to retail workers across Gauteng, as well as to other deserving recipients.
The masks donated to these retail workers are not only 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.
“Any branding featured on these masks will also not fade, keeping them looking professional and neat despite continuous use,” explains Peet. “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.”
When lockdown started, Peet saw how South Africa experienced a country-wide shortage of face masks, and immediately set about doing something about the problem. “We already had a fully-equipped textile manufacturing 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, not least our brave retail workers that are quietly going about their daily tasks, ensuring that the places where we shop are safe and inviting. Another benefit of helping protect our retail workers is that their families are protected too, by extension. Wearing a mask is a small but important part of protecting ourselves against the spread of COVID-19, and I am happy to be able to play a small role in providing that protection to others.”
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