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Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) have been the hardest hit in the economic crisis following the National Lockdown to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey by 22 On Sloane Startup Campus estimates that as many as 55 000 SMMEs might not survive the economic crisis and close to 425 000 people employed by these businesses will be out of work.

As an integral part of the country’s economy, integrated chemicals and energy company Sasol has played a crucial role in delivering much-needed supplies to fence-line communities around the country, including sanitiser liquid and personal protective equipment. Sasol has also been able to marry the need for these products with the need to support local SMMEs in its host communities, Sasolburg in the Free State being one of them.

In response to the high demand for non-medical cloth face masks within its community of Sasolburg, Sasol decided to commission these from a locally-owned SMME instead of importing or sourcing these from large corporations.

The company commissioned Mampoi Exclusive Designs, which is an SMME owned by Mampoi Zwane, to produce 3 000 non-medical designer cloth face masks. These were distributed  to the elderly andthe disabled earlier this month when they went out to collect their monthly grants in Metsimaholo Municipality, where Sasolburg is situated.

Masks were also distributed at clinics and Covid-19 screening and testing sites for people waiting to be tested. The decision to commission the masks was driven by Sasol’s commitment to support Government and enable the National Department of Health’s recommendation that all South Africans wear a cloth face mask (non-medical mask) when going out in public.

Mampoi Exclusive Designs had been designing and sewing similar face masks, which it sold to workers at clinics, the local municipality and individuals. The Sasol contract, says owner Zwane, was therefore a much-needed boost which has enabled the business to afford an industrial sewing machine. This has helped the business to substantially increase its production rate. The Sasol contract has also enabled Zwane to employ three more people during this period, bringing her staff complement to four.

“As a small business during this crisis, I’ve learned that one needs to be flexible and adaptive to changing times to survive and grow,” said Zwane.

“Even though the current environment has affected many people’s businesses, we as South Africans need to grab every opportunity to keep the economy going. I am very fortunate to have assembled a dedicated team that was able to work long hours to ensure we delivered these vital protective products in a short space of time.”

Zwane started her clothing design business in 1993 after completing her matric at Nkgopoleng Secondary School in Sasolburg. Her expertise span over a wide range of clothing - from men’s suits to wedding dresses and graduation gowns. She was taught how to sew by her mother, enabling her to turn her passion for fashion and stylish designs into reality.

By 1995, she was offering sewing courses to others creating a sound reputation and business in her community.

Issued by Sasol