Sasolburg Operations donated 3 000 non-medical cloth face masks to the elderly and disabled in Metsimaholo. This gesture was made in response to the National Department of Health’s recommendation that everyone in South Africa should wear a cloth face-mask (also known as a non-medical mask) when in public.
Sasol sourced the masks from a local venture, Mampoi Exclusive Designs. According to the owner, Mampoi Zwane, Sasol’s support contributed significantly to enable them to buy an industrial sewing machine that would vastly increase their production rate.
Mampoi hails from Zamdela. After completing her schooling at Nkgopoleng Secondary School, she built on her sewing skills taught to her by her mother, by attending various tertiary colleges. She is currently furthering her business skills through the Seriti Institute and receives support from the Rural Enterprise and Industry Development programme of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform.
Although she is sad to have missed exhibiting her work at the Rand Easter Show this year due to the lockdown, Mampoi is grateful for the opportunity to produce the much-needed face masks. “I am excited about all our creations, from the wedding gowns that we regularly produce to these face masks. You can only be successful if you love what you do,” said Mampoi. Apart from her, Mampoi Exclusive Designs has a further four employees in service.
