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HomeEmpower SAMade In SAThis 'vibey' South African ethical mask makes a perfect accessory for COVID-19...

This ‘vibey’ South African ethical mask makes a perfect accessory for COVID-19 lockdown

Looking for a mask that isn't only effective in helping keep deadly viruses at bay, but also has that often missing vibe? This stylishly high quality, ethical face mask makes a perfect accessory during this challenging period of lockdown.

A brainchild of Cape Town based Ballo ethical fashion brand, which make goods from recycled offcuts and other sustainable materials, the masks feature a pleated double fabric layer – one layer of white cotton inside and another on the outside with a bit more vibe.

With an easy to fit elastic-over-ear design, there’s 5 different fabric designs to choose from, and if you order more than one, Ballo will try to come up with as much variety as possible “so you can easily tell them apart”.

Why support the business? As it’s the case for many countries, the rapid spread of COVID-1 and subsequent travel ban meant that many SMMEs would have to shut down stores and workshops.

For Ballo, this meant cutting off revenue to the business and its 10 employees. “We have designed and made masks to fulfill the public need and try to ensure we can 1. pay staff salaries 2. pay rent and 3. have jobs to come back to when things calm down.” And of course “because none of the other masks had vibe,” founder Alistair Barnes said. 

Ballo masks are designed and handmade in Cape Town to help create employment

Disclaimer: These face mask will not guarantee prevention from contracting or cure of COVID-19.

They are rather designed to help stop users from coughing and sneezing onto others and to help remind them not to touch their face or your nose with dirty hands.

*For brand focused South African news and heads-up on the great things your favourite lifestyle brands are doing to empower local communities, make sure to visit the Empower SA page daily!

Tankiso Komane
Tankiso Komane
A Tshwane University of Technology journalism graduate, Tankiso Komane has a vast experience in print & broadcast media business and has worked for some of the country’s biggest daily newspapers, including The Sowetan, The Citizen, The Times, and The New Age. Through her varied work as a journalist, notably as a copywriter for SABC1 (On-Air promotions) and as a publicist for Onyx Communications, she has developed an in-depth understanding of the nature of the media business and how to use it for the purpose of exposure. Her expertise in journalism across various disciplines, coupled with a good reputation, has laid the foundation of a new kind "trust in Journalism" as the media ecosystem continues to digitally evolve.
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