We’ve been so inspired by local businesses lending a hand during lockdown, that we went on the hunt and found 5 more to celebrate.
The COVID-19 pandemic may continue but it hasn’t stopped these proudly South African businesses from finding a way to make a difference.
Proudly South African recently launched an online portal where you can buy masks from local manufacturers. It couldn’t be easier to source a mask stockist in your area, just select your province and browse a directory of local businesses.
“This initiative is an effort to support a sector of our economy that is able to meet the current pressing demand for face masks, which we have been called on to wear in order to support the government’s efforts to combat the spread of Covid-19,” said Proudly SA Chief Executive Officer, Eustace Mashimbye. “It is imperative that we support our local businesses, as they have the capacity to produce sufficient masks to meet the country’s needs.”
Dotsure.co.za has been a long-time partner of the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL). Recently the company donated a whopping R300 000 to the organisation following a successful fundraising event held earlier this year.
“Despite our lives having changed, there are still pets who get lost and those who need medical attention,” says David Roache, managing director of dotsure.co.za. “We all know that when times are tough economically, the first thing to go are public donations, so shelters have seen a decline in these. Also, since the beginning of lockdown no adoptions have been able to take place. That is why it’s so important that we continue to support organisations such as the AACL, who despite the circumstances, continue to help animals in need.”
Although The Baxter theatre, like all other theatres across the country and the world, has had to close its doors during lockdown, it has found a way to help communities by introducing Baxter Radio. The station aims to record school set-works, children’s books, new South African works and classics, and will make them accessible through its subscriber database and community radio stations. An incredible 40 local artists have already become involved, recording from their homes.
“I was concerned about the artists who are losing income during lockdown and the many learners in communities who are unable to play outside and who do not have access to the Internet,” says Lara Foot, chief executive officer and artistic director at The Baxter. “I wanted to find a way for The Baxter to bridge the gap and create a platform that would contribute to a solution for both these challenges.”
Foot believes the old and trusted medium of radio requires its audience to listen and engage, which is comparable to the form of theatre.
Artist Dylan Jones recently partnered up with Yuppiechef and Andy Fenner of Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants to host an art auction on Instagram.
Jones, a musician-turned-butcher-turned-chef, says he felt a great sense of loss after seeing the impact COVID-19 has had on the industry. “My kitchen team there was like a family. To see them all left stranded was heartbreaking,” he said.
The auction, which featured sketches of 7 iconic food establishments in Cape Town, went live on 24 April 2020 and raised more than R30 000. What the individual restaurants do with the money is up to them, says Jones. “They can use it to cover rent, pay their staff or settle up with suppliers. There are so many families affected and I just want to play a part in helping.”
To help promote social distancing and reduce the spread of COVID-19, Takealot and Superbalist have joined forces to locally produce and distribute more than 500 000 fabric masks. The masks are being designed and produced using Superbalist’s resources, and Takealot will store and distribute them.
When the masks are ready to be distributed, customers will receive one free adult mask per order that qualifies for free shipping (while stocks last). A selection of the fabric masks will also be available to buy on both Takealot and Superbalist.
“In addition to the work we’re already doing to distribute the R1 billion of personal protective equipment donated by Naspers and Tencent, we want to extend our commitment to helping our community,” said Kim Reid, chief executive officer and founder of the Takealot Group. “We recognise the important role that fabric masks can play in combating the spread of COVID-19 and we are grateful to be able to do our part.”
Takealot will also donate 2 200 masks for adults and children to Beautiful Gate, their non-profit organisation (NGO) partner.
Perhaps the biggest everyday heroes are the essential service workforce who go out every single day and despite putting themselves at risk of contracting COVID-19. We’d like to thank each and every person on the frontline.
As President Cyril Ramaphosa so aptly put it in his address to the nation on 30 March 2020, “We would like to thank our nurses, doctors and other health workers – our volunteers and NGOs. The 18 000 security personnel, the farm workers who are helping to keep us supplied with food, the technicians in the power station working to keep the lights on. I speak of the caregiver who comes in everyday to tend to the most vulnerable of our citizens, I speak about the taxi driver, the refuse collector, the bus driver, the supermarket cashier, the hospital cleaner, the petrol attendant and all those essential service workers – you are our unsung heroes and we salute you.”
