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Local SA manufacturer turns to face masks amid COVID-19 crisis
One of the biggest medical supply demands globally has been the need for face masks. Here in South Africa the demand is growing and one local black owned manufacturing company called Siyasebenza is taking on the task of creating and distributing face masks across the country. Teddy Timmal, Managing Director of Siyasebenza Manufacturing joins CNBC Africa for more.
Thu, 02 Apr 2020 10:58:15 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- Siyasebenza Manufacturing pivots to produce face masks in response to shortages during the pandemic.
- Company sources local suppliers to create high-quality masks, surpassing imported products from China.
- Production capacity reaches 20,000 masks per day, with plans to further increase output in the coming weeks.
Siyasebenza Manufacturing, a black-owned company in South Africa, has shifted its focus to meet the increasing demand for face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teddy Timmal, the Managing Director of Siyasebenza Manufacturing, recently appeared on CNBC Africa to discuss the company's efforts in producing high-quality face masks to help combat the spread of the virus.
Timmal shared that the idea to start manufacturing face masks came to fruition a few weeks ago when he noticed a shortage in the market. Drawing on his experience in producing protective clothing such as overalls, Timmal decided to repurpose some of the production lines in his factory to create face masks. By conducting research and finding local suppliers of fabric, Timmal was able to develop a mask design that he believes is superior to some of the products imported from China.
Despite initial skepticism from some, Timmal's masks received positive feedback, especially from healthcare workers who found them to be effective. The company has since ramped up production to meet the growing demand, with the capacity to produce up to 20,000 masks per day.
While facing logistical challenges due to the lockdown and limited staff availability, Siyasebenza Manufacturing is continuously improving its manufacturing processes to increase efficiency. As a result, the company has been able to lower the cost of the masks for wholesalers, making them more accessible to a wider market.
Timmal expressed optimism about the future, indicating that the company's employees are adapting well to the new production focus and are becoming more proficient in manufacturing masks. With plans to further boost production in the coming weeks, Siyasebenza Manufacturing is poised to play a significant role in meeting the demand for face masks in South Africa.
The success of Siyasebenza Manufacturing serves as a beacon of hope during these challenging times, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of African businesses in the face of a global crisis.
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