If this pandemic has taught us anything so far about humans, it’s that we can come together when it matters the most, to help our communities and each other by spreading awareness and trying our best to provide to those that need it. What this time has also proved is that people really do have influence and can use it in ways that matter, being a voice and a catalyst for good.
Whilst the strict lockdown regulations have been absolutely necessary, unfortunately, many small businesses have suffered. As per the government’s lockdown regulations to #stayhome, many businesses have been forced to shut shop for a while, let go of staff, and in some instances, even close down their businesses completely. Some of the lucky ones are doing everything they can to stay open, and adapt to the times. And that can mean selling essential goods likes fabric face masks.
Overnight, many businesses and local designers began to use their skills to make masks, or even learn from scratch how to make them, in an effort to continue earning an income. And others are simply making masks for those in need.
The scary new normal now for South Africans nationwide, is to wear a mask wherever we go, as is avid hand-washing and sanitising. Wearing a mask helps stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, with the main benefit being to reduce the spread of droplets. Since it’s often difficult to know if one is infected or not, with symptoms often not showing, it is important that everyone wears a face mask, and we normalise wearing one too.
We want to play our part where possible, and so a few days ago we reached out to our Instagram followers and asked you to tell us who you know that’s making and creating the best masks so that we can do our bit to spread the news. And boy did we get a whole lot of beautiful responses!
Seeing as it’s likely that wearing a mask is the new normal, and we can expect to wear one for many months to come, let’s embrace this new lifestyle. Here are some of the local brands and people that are covering our faces all over the country, and doing the most when it comes to making masks. Let’s #supportlocal as wearing a mask becomes the new norm.
With one single goal of ‘wanting every single South African to have a face mask when they leave home’, Thuma Masks is helping to do just that by providing masks at the most affordable price. And when you buy two masks, they’ll donate two masks to those in need.
Cost: R69,90 for two, and two are donated.
A loved brand amongst many South Africans. This small business took the opportunity as a small fabric manufacturing company to make masks with their material. For each pack of two masks sold, two are donated to someone in need.
Cost: R270 for two, and two are donated.
This award-winning South African fashion designer has a passion for creating unique pieces, and that’s exactly what she’s continued to do for her business, creating all kinds of interesting patterns for masks. We’ve got our eye on the leopard print.
Cost: R55 per mask.
This incredible womenswear company produces beautiful pieces from natural fibres, and sells them across the country. Now, they’re using their classic, quality material to make masks too. These natural fibres are breathable and soft against the skin.
Cost: R100 per mask.
Partnering with other fashion designers, The Bam Collective decided to create a range of practical (but fashionable) fabric face masks, available online. A portion of their online sales is kept for the donation of food parcels, together with parcels of fabric, trims, patterns and instructions for creating masks – all of which are donated to vulnerable communities.
Cost: From R85 per mask.
Relate is a 100% not-for-profit social enterprise that makes and sells handmade bracelets to raise money for charities and create jobs for those that need it. Now, they’ve added an extra item to their list, continuing to donate to charity.
Cost: R49,95 per mask.
This bridal couture designer decided to use her skills for good, offering curved shaped, quality masks for both adults and children. For every one mask bought, one is donated to an organisation in need.
Cost: R95 per mask, and one mask is donated.
Local designer, Martjie is making masks with a double layer of 100% cotton and a space to insert an extra filter. Choose between elastic and ties, whichever you find more comfortable. You can slide into her DMs to order.
Cost: R50 per mask.
Margot Molyneux is a Cape Town-based fashion studio that designs small seasonal collections for both women and men. The team of seven love to produce classic garments, and now they’re selling classic fabric face masks too.
Cost: R120 per mask.
This local company, which usually makes handcrafted interior decor and lifestyle products, has been creating masks to offer meaningful employment to their team members during this time. Not only are they helping support their own team, but a portion of the proceeds from each mask sold is donated to Stellenbosch Unite, supporting vulnerable community members during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Cost: R85 per mask with a donation included.
What an incredible initiative! ‘Kunye’ meaning together in Xhosa, is a project that makes and drops off free masks with NPOs and in townships. The masks are pleated with a double layer of thick cotton, which forms a pocket that can be inserted inside for an extra filter. These influencers are coming together to sponsor, sew, and deliver our community with the free masks they deserve. They’re also employing local seamstresses and taking a zero admin fee – we couldn’t be more proud. Masks come in all different sizes, even toddler masks.
Cost: Masks are made and donated.
Dress African, Dress Smart - Long Street
Dorcas owns her own dressmaking business, making all kinds of African shared fabrics. Now, she’s making masks for the lowest possible prices, and for all ages. Dorcas is also urgently looking for extra work as a mask-maker while her husband runs this business. If your mask-making business is needing an expert seamstress who works from town get in touch on 078 0884840 or call 0833436748 for bulk maks orders.
Cost: R20 - R25 per mask.
This Greek haberdashery family has been in business for over 40 years, serving the Diep River community and beyond. Their masks are designed for comfort and all-day wearing, especially when being active with pure cotton stretch fabric, three layers, waterproof nano spray and comfortable ties. Contact Dimitris Mamcos via email sales@mamacos.co.za to order yours.
Cost: From R35 per mask.
Richard and Precious Muhoni design everything with love, as their well-known business saying goes. The couple is also well-known for selling their famous picnic blankets and beautiful baskets all around Cape Town. Support this great local business by purchasing their layered curved, African style masks. Contact Richard on 084 830 0175.
Cost: R40 per mask.
This small apparel brand is a passion project between two best friends, taking both of their best attributes, combining them and sharing it. ‘Intoku’ is a Japanese way of life, directly translating to mean, "Good done in secret". These friends couldn’t think of a better time to share this good by pivoting and making masks to protect the public, and making it fashionable in an effort to normalise wearing masks. The masks are triple layered with the option between faux leather or black denim. Email intokunotsight@icloud.com for yours.
Cost: R80 per mask.
A local fashion brand in Cape Town that focuses on fresh, fun, ethical and on-trend fashion items is making all kinds of trendy masks, including prints, tassels and even sequins. If mask-wearing is the new normal, we might as well make it fashionable, right?
Cost: From R50 per mask.
This company is employing local women who have lost their jobs to make triple-layered masks, using beautiful fabric. They’re selling kiddies masks too, which can often be more challenging to find. Below is an image of a recent bulk delivery they made to the care team at an old age home.
Cost: R110 per mask.
Liezl, a fashion stylist from Cape Town, and the co-founder of DoGood, has been doing all kinds of good, from collecting clothing for those in need and feeding many hungry mouths to donating and delivering masks all over Cape Town. The team works with local communities on various mask projects and feeding programs to support them through COVID-19 and beyond. The project is currently providing an income for 17 seamstresses and so far over 2000 masks have been donated! Masks are handed out at local clinics and soup kitchens and are made from offcut materials to prevent contributing to landfills and waste. All in all, the company really is doing a lot of good.
Cost: R20 per mask with the buy to donate option, and R25 per mask for the public.
Do you care about the planet as much as you care about people? Suck It Straws sells affordable, eco-friendly straws and cups in an effort to reduce plastic consumption. Of course, right now they aren’t selling straws but they are, however, selling masks. If you love what this company stands for, you can support it by supporting them through this time.
Cost: R50 per mask.
This women-owned factory has been making over 3000 masks a week! Previously selling leather handbags in their factory, they have now pivoted to be able to make masks as a way to preserve their livelihoods during this crazy time. They are also offering the opportunity to donate masks to those in need.
Cost: R65 per mask.
Here’s a company that has developed masks that are washable and reusable, made from 3 layers of soft, poly-based fabric and have been designed for a full cover, comfort fit. By buying one of their masks, you will be keeping their hardworking machinist, Cheryl, earning an income, as well as feeding a child for a whole day with the One Bag Full initiative. 1 mask = 3 meals to a member of the Langa community.
Cost: R50 per mask and a donation.
This ethical eyewear company is continuing its legacy of ‘selling unique goods that create employment, reuse waste and put the planet before profit.’ For every mask that is bought, a mask is given to someone in need.
Cost: R150 per mask and one mask is donated.
Fashion designer, Otsile Sefolo is making filtered masks with three layers and a choice between three different designs. Buy more than 10 masks and your delivery will be free too!
Cost: R40 per mask.
This South African designer has teamed up with Convoy Shop to unite in mutual support, selling these beautiful masks in the physical store, along with some of their winter clothing items too.
Cost: From R75 per mask.
Look at these gorgeous African print, dual face masks. If you get tired of wearing the same pattern, reverse it and you’ll have a whole new design. Slide into his DM to order.
Cost: R50 per mask.
By employing local single mums in the heart of Zululand, Mask It is helping support families that are affected during these hard times. Support local and help contribute to employment in our country, where it matters most. The masks are so cute, too!
Cost: R30 per mask for kids and R40 per mask for adults.
Wow, how beautiful are these patterns! Made by local designer, Kim Kinsey-Houston and costing only R50. Reach out to her on Instagram to place your order.
Cost: R50 per mask.
Thank you for sending us all your local mask maker recommendations. I guess we’ve proved that face masks can be made fashionable too, whilst supporting local and often helping those in need during these difficult times. In true South African style, nothing can beat our spirit, and it’s the reason we ‘make a plan’ and create some of the coolest fabric face masks in the country.
If you’re looking for other hygiene products (PPE) and medical masks, Lab Analytics is one of the many companies that can help with that too. Proudly SA has also launched a digital platform to help connect local mask manufacturers. Or perhaps if you simply want to help and donate but are not sure how, Donate Nation is a great place to start and contribute financially if you can.
As our president Cyril recently mentioned, it’s important that we be prepared to continue wearing a mask for weeks, and possibly months to come. Let’s all do our part, supporting local, helping where possible and using our influence for good.
Did you enjoy this article? Visit our blog for more interesting topics, or follow us on Instagram.
If this pandemic has taught us anything so far about humans, it’s that we can come together when it matters the most, to help our communities and each other by spreading awareness and trying our best to provide to those that need it. What this time has also proved is that people really do have influence and can use it in ways that matter, being a voice and a catalyst for good.
Whilst the strict lockdown regulations have been absolutely necessary, unfortunately, many small businesses have suffered. As per the government’s lockdown regulations to #stayhome, many businesses have been forced to shut shop for a while, let go of staff, and in some instances, even close down their businesses completely. Some of the lucky ones are doing everything they can to stay open, and adapt to the times. And that can mean selling essential goods likes fabric face masks.
Overnight, many businesses and local designers began to use their skills to make masks, or even learn from scratch how to make them, in an effort to continue earning an income. And others are simply making masks for those in need.
The scary new normal now for South Africans nationwide, is to wear a mask wherever we go, as is avid hand-washing and sanitising. Wearing a mask helps stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, with the main benefit being to reduce the spread of droplets. Since it’s often difficult to know if one is infected or not, with symptoms often not showing, it is important that everyone wears a face mask, and we normalise wearing one too.
We want to play our part where possible, and so a few days ago we reached out to our Instagram followers and asked you to tell us who you know that’s making and creating the best masks so that we can do our bit to spread the news. And boy did we get a whole lot of beautiful responses!
Seeing as it’s likely that wearing a mask is the new normal, and we can expect to wear one for many months to come, let’s embrace this new lifestyle. Here are some of the local brands and people that are covering our faces all over the country, and doing the most when it comes to making masks. Let’s #supportlocal as wearing a mask becomes the new norm.
With one single goal of ‘wanting every single South African to have a face mask when they leave home’, Thuma Masks is helping to do just that by providing masks at the most affordable price. And when you buy two masks, they’ll donate two masks to those in need.
Cost: R69,90 for two, and two are donated.
A loved brand amongst many South Africans. This small business took the opportunity as a small fabric manufacturing company to make masks with their material. For each pack of two masks sold, two are donated to someone in need.
Cost: R270 for two, and two are donated.
This award-winning South African fashion designer has a passion for creating unique pieces, and that’s exactly what she’s continued to do for her business, creating all kinds of interesting patterns for masks. We’ve got our eye on the leopard print.
Cost: R55 per mask.
This incredible womenswear company produces beautiful pieces from natural fibres, and sells them across the country. Now, they’re using their classic, quality material to make masks too. These natural fibres are breathable and soft against the skin.
Cost: R100 per mask.
Partnering with other fashion designers, The Bam Collective decided to create a range of practical (but fashionable) fabric face masks, available online. A portion of their online sales is kept for the donation of food parcels, together with parcels of fabric, trims, patterns and instructions for creating masks – all of which are donated to vulnerable communities.
Cost: From R85 per mask.
Relate is a 100% not-for-profit social enterprise that makes and sells handmade bracelets to raise money for charities and create jobs for those that need it. Now, they’ve added an extra item to their list, continuing to donate to charity.
Cost: R49,95 per mask.
This bridal couture designer decided to use her skills for good, offering curved shaped, quality masks for both adults and children. For every one mask bought, one is donated to an organisation in need.
Cost: R95 per mask, and one mask is donated.
Local designer, Martjie is making masks with a double layer of 100% cotton and a space to insert an extra filter. Choose between elastic and ties, whichever you find more comfortable. You can slide into her DMs to order.
Cost: R50 per mask.
Margot Molyneux is a Cape Town-based fashion studio that designs small seasonal collections for both women and men. The team of seven love to produce classic garments, and now they’re selling classic fabric face masks too.
Cost: R120 per mask.
This local company, which usually makes handcrafted interior decor and lifestyle products, has been creating masks to offer meaningful employment to their team members during this time. Not only are they helping support their own team, but a portion of the proceeds from each mask sold is donated to Stellenbosch Unite, supporting vulnerable community members during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Cost: R85 per mask with a donation included.
What an incredible initiative! ‘Kunye’ meaning together in Xhosa, is a project that makes and drops off free masks with NPOs and in townships. The masks are pleated with a double layer of thick cotton, which forms a pocket that can be inserted inside for an extra filter. These influencers are coming together to sponsor, sew, and deliver our community with the free masks they deserve. They’re also employing local seamstresses and taking a zero admin fee – we couldn’t be more proud. Masks come in all different sizes, even toddler masks.
Cost: Masks are made and donated.
Dress African, Dress Smart - Long Street
Dorcas owns her own dressmaking business, making all kinds of African shared fabrics. Now, she’s making masks for the lowest possible prices, and for all ages. Dorcas is also urgently looking for extra work as a mask-maker while her husband runs this business. If your mask-making business is needing an expert seamstress who works from town get in touch on 078 0884840 or call 0833436748 for bulk maks orders.
Cost: R20 - R25 per mask.
This Greek haberdashery family has been in business for over 40 years, serving the Diep River community and beyond. Their masks are designed for comfort and all-day wearing, especially when being active with pure cotton stretch fabric, three layers, waterproof nano spray and comfortable ties. Contact Dimitris Mamcos via email sales@mamacos.co.za to order yours.
Cost: From R35 per mask.
Richard and Precious Muhoni design everything with love, as their well-known business saying goes. The couple is also well-known for selling their famous picnic blankets and beautiful baskets all around Cape Town. Support this great local business by purchasing their layered curved, African style masks. Contact Richard on 084 830 0175.
Cost: R40 per mask.
This small apparel brand is a passion project between two best friends, taking both of their best attributes, combining them and sharing it. ‘Intoku’ is a Japanese way of life, directly translating to mean, "Good done in secret". These friends couldn’t think of a better time to share this good by pivoting and making masks to protect the public, and making it fashionable in an effort to normalise wearing masks. The masks are triple layered with the option between faux leather or black denim. Email intokunotsight@icloud.com for yours.
Cost: R80 per mask.
A local fashion brand in Cape Town that focuses on fresh, fun, ethical and on-trend fashion items is making all kinds of trendy masks, including prints, tassels and even sequins. If mask-wearing is the new normal, we might as well make it fashionable, right?
Cost: From R50 per mask.
This company is employing local women who have lost their jobs to make triple-layered masks, using beautiful fabric. They’re selling kiddies masks too, which can often be more challenging to find. Below is an image of a recent bulk delivery they made to the care team at an old age home.
Cost: R110 per mask.
Liezl, a fashion stylist from Cape Town, and the co-founder of DoGood, has been doing all kinds of good, from collecting clothing for those in need and feeding many hungry mouths to donating and delivering masks all over Cape Town. The team works with local communities on various mask projects and feeding programs to support them through COVID-19 and beyond. The project is currently providing an income for 17 seamstresses and so far over 2000 masks have been donated! Masks are handed out at local clinics and soup kitchens and are made from offcut materials to prevent contributing to landfills and waste. All in all, the company really is doing a lot of good.
Cost: R20 per mask with the buy to donate option, and R25 per mask for the public.
Do you care about the planet as much as you care about people? Suck It Straws sells affordable, eco-friendly straws and cups in an effort to reduce plastic consumption. Of course, right now they aren’t selling straws but they are, however, selling masks. If you love what this company stands for, you can support it by supporting them through this time.
Cost: R50 per mask.
This women-owned factory has been making over 3000 masks a week! Previously selling leather handbags in their factory, they have now pivoted to be able to make masks as a way to preserve their livelihoods during this crazy time. They are also offering the opportunity to donate masks to those in need.
Cost: R65 per mask.
Here’s a company that has developed masks that are washable and reusable, made from 3 layers of soft, poly-based fabric and have been designed for a full cover, comfort fit. By buying one of their masks, you will be keeping their hardworking machinist, Cheryl, earning an income, as well as feeding a child for a whole day with the One Bag Full initiative. 1 mask = 3 meals to a member of the Langa community.
Cost: R50 per mask and a donation.
This ethical eyewear company is continuing its legacy of ‘selling unique goods that create employment, reuse waste and put the planet before profit.’ For every mask that is bought, a mask is given to someone in need.
Cost: R150 per mask and one mask is donated.
Fashion designer, Otsile Sefolo is making filtered masks with three layers and a choice between three different designs. Buy more than 10 masks and your delivery will be free too!
Cost: R40 per mask.
This South African designer has teamed up with Convoy Shop to unite in mutual support, selling these beautiful masks in the physical store, along with some of their winter clothing items too.
Cost: From R75 per mask.
Look at these gorgeous African print, dual face masks. If you get tired of wearing the same pattern, reverse it and you’ll have a whole new design. Slide into his DM to order.
Cost: R50 per mask.
By employing local single mums in the heart of Zululand, Mask It is helping support families that are affected during these hard times. Support local and help contribute to employment in our country, where it matters most. The masks are so cute, too!
Cost: R30 per mask for kids and R40 per mask for adults.
Wow, how beautiful are these patterns! Made by local designer, Kim Kinsey-Houston and costing only R50. Reach out to her on Instagram to place your order.
Cost: R50 per mask.
Thank you for sending us all your local mask maker recommendations. I guess we’ve proved that face masks can be made fashionable too, whilst supporting local and often helping those in need during these difficult times. In true South African style, nothing can beat our spirit, and it’s the reason we ‘make a plan’ and create some of the coolest fabric face masks in the country.
If you’re looking for other hygiene products (PPE) and medical masks, Lab Analytics is one of the many companies that can help with that too. Proudly SA has also launched a digital platform to help connect local mask manufacturers. Or perhaps if you simply want to help and donate but are not sure how, Donate Nation is a great place to start and contribute financially if you can.
As our president Cyril recently mentioned, it’s important that we be prepared to continue wearing a mask for weeks, and possibly months to come. Let’s all do our part, supporting local, helping where possible and using our influence for good.
Did you enjoy this article? Visit our blog for more interesting topics, or follow us on Instagram.
We’d love to hear from you. For any enquiries, questions or conversations, feel free to contact us.
