Just how do you balance personal safety with economic needs?
While South Africans have been relieved to get back to work after the hard lockdown, it’s been a bitter sweet time because balancing personal safety with economic freedom isn’t all that simple.
As the economy opened up, one of the immediate concerns was about public transport – with initial limited capacity regulations for taxis being a major point of contention. In July, however, taxis were once again allowed to operate at 100% capacity, albeit with stringent rules. Because social distancing isn’t at all possible, sanitising and wearing face masks become even more important.
BBF Safety Group employs over 1,200 employees in their four manufacturing plants throughout the country, with the vast majority of their staff using public transport to get to and from work.
“Our staff are a vital part of the business. While we can control the safety aspects at our factories, it’s as they are travelling to and from work that they are at the most risk,” says Silvio Ceriani – Group CEO, BBF Safety Group.

With this in mind and given the rising number of COVID cases reported in KZN, BBF Safety Group have sponsored 5,000 of their Nikki reusable filtered masks, to the value of R75 500, to taxi ranks in the Durban area, in a bid to assist with keeping commuters as safe as possible during their journey.
The Nikki reusable filtered masks, which have been proudly manufactured in South Africa with the support of BBF Safety Group’s SMME network, come standard with a Beier Respiratex Filter and comply with the WHO recommendations for general use masks of creating a physical barrier upwards of 5 microns, as well as providing comfort and breathability.
“Whilst our staff have access to these locally manufactured masks, the same cannot necessarily be said for daily commuters as they and even their employees are under strain during these trying times. By sponsoring masks for use in taxis, we hope to make a difference that will help to ease some of the anxiety of having to travel in a full taxi, as well as contribute towards curbing the spread of the virus,” adds Silvio Ceriani.
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