Launch of Ubuntucare cloth masks
May 2020
The Health Foundation is proud to be a partner of the UbuntuCare Cloth Mask initiative. Through this initiative, an expanding community-based manufacturing network has been established for seamstresses from vulnerable communities who will receive income from manufacturing the masks. The initiative involves commercial retailers that will be selling the Ubuntu cloth masks. All the funds generated from sales will be channeled back into the initiative, enabling vulnerable seamstress networks to generate an income from the masks produced, and the free distribution of masks to communities.
Speaking at the official launch of this public-private initiative last week in Goodwood, Western Cape Minister of Health Dr Nomafrench Mbombo said “This supports what we have been calling for, adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions such as wearing of masks in public because this virus spreads through droplets, wearing of masks in public is one of the interventions we can use in preventing the spread”.
She also added that “Simple things such as wearing a mask will save us and protect others. Let’s commit to doing the right thing by the wearing of masks in public.” Identified communities will soon receive free non-medical masks through the Ubuntu Cloth Mask initiative.
This public-private initiative is coordinated in conjuction with other parties that include WoW! (Western Cape on Wellness), Coconut Jazz and other organisations.
