Agri Minister hands over cloth masks to agri workers; visits Distell’s sanitiser plant

On Wednesday, 15 April, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Ivan Meyer, visited the De Fynne Nursery in Paarl where he handed over the first of 100 000 cloth masks to be distributed to agri workers across the Western Cape.

The Minister also visited the Distell Monis Production Plant, a section of which has been repurposed to produce alcohol based sanitiser in response to the COVID-19 virus.

During the handover of masks, Minister Meyer emphasised the correct use and care of a mask in ensuring that we stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“I stressed that wearing a mask was a further precautionary measure to observe. I highlighted in particular how to put on the mask, and the correct procedures to adopt while wearing and taking off the mask.”

Distell’s decision to commit 100 000 litres of alcohol, to be used to produce sanitisers as well as a variety of other hygienic and sanitising products, should, according to Minister Meyer, be lauded.

“It is an example of what is possible when a key role-player within the agriculture value chain displays good corporate citizenship by responding positively to the call for solidarity in our fight against the COVID-19 virus.”

The sanitisers will be distributed free to vulnerable communities across South Africa as a way to encourage good hygiene practices.

“I look forward to working closely with Distell to identify these communities, and support the roll-out of the sanitisers,” says Minister Meyer.

He added: “I thank our farmers, agri workers and related businesses such as Distell for remaining steadfast in their commitment to food production in a safe and hygienic environment. Stay at home, keep social distancing, wash your hands and when outside wear a mask.”