Masks mean survival for Cape Town clothing factory workers, in more ways than one

"When we were at home, we didn't know what was going to happen," Connie says. "We are so grateful and thankful for this opportunity to provide for our families. It also means so much to be part of the team contributing to fighting this pandemic."

It began with an urgent call

Lucinda says her employees are from disadvantaged areas like Manenberg, Mitchells Plain and Hanover Park. "These are mostly women, and many are single parents. They are so grateful that they could work again and put food on the table. That's the constant feedback from them. Without these masks, it would have been a sad, sad situation.

"Our company will be 16 years old in October and we have never been in a situation like this," she says. "Now, though, we are putting in some extra time sewing the masks, because the need increased so suddenly."

Before Lucinda called Connie and her team in, she received a call from her industry colleague, Jo Jocelyne. As a supplier of jackets to Discovery Stores through her company Ajay Apparel, Jo was asked if she could adapt her production line and produce the masks according to strict regulations. It was a few thousand masks, but they needed to be ready in a week.

"Literally out of the blue, I received an email from Gideon Cosme from Discovery, asking if I knew anyone who could manufacture masks. I answered that we would have to be innovative and try. It was a challenge, but it was also such good luck. If it hadn't been for this project, we don't know what we would have done," says Jo, who had turned off the lights at her factory along with other textile manufacturers in the industrial suburbs of Maitland and Athlone. Most factory employers had sent their staff home when the lockdown began a month before, without an idea of when they could reopen.

"We were given a week to get the order out, but we were also able to involve a printing company that was not operating. The volumes were so high, we had to pass work on to other factories that were closed, like Lucinda's. It allowed us all to continue working and even employ more staff," she says.

Jo says the lifeline meant repurposing the business, while adapting operations in line with the new safety measures, but most staff were ready to come in and get going. "Lucinda immediately put her team on two shifts. When we have a deadline, we can work until 11 pm, seven days a week," Jo says. "It has been fantastic to be able to pay people in full, as well as to help other factory owners in the industry."

The Discovery masks are available at Dis-Chem and online at Takealot.com, but some have been delivered as far as the United States, says Jo. "I found the requirements that were in line with the US and local standards. We used material that is in medical masks as the fabric filter, plus three layers. It is a beautiful product."

The experience has led to a new and different workday for sewing machine operator Charmaine Davids from Lentegeur. "We were worried about coming back, but we now see there is a new way for us to work, and we can take care of our families. We must thank Discovery for that. We are also happy and, if I can say, proud, that we can keep people safe. The best part is, the masks are really good-looking with the bright colours. I love the one with the smile." 

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