by MarkLives (@marklives) MarkLives is tracking South African and African brand and ad agency reactions and news related to the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Updates may be sent to us via our contact form or the email address published on our Contact Us page (opinion pieces/guest columns must be exclusive). Most-recent announcements will be added on top. This is for 13–17 April 2020.

• #CoronavirusSA: Adland responds to #covid19 (27 Mar–3 Apr)
• #CoronavirusSA: Adland responds to #covid19 (23–27 March 2020)
• #CoronavirusSA: Ad agencies, marketers’ responses to #covid19 (16–20 March 2020)
• #CoronavirusSA: Event changes, postponements, cancellations (16–20 March 2020)
• #CoronavirusSA – Special Section

While we have your attention: Please would you consider taking out a MarkLives membership to help finance our operations? The covid-19 pandemic is having a huge impact on society and industry. With your support, either as a once-off or monthly contribution, we can continue our coverage of its impact on our industry.

UPDATE: The number of infections continues to grow and there are now 2415 confirmed cases of #COVID19. We urge the public to take preventive measures. We are going through a most challenging period, but we shall overcome. #StaySafeSA pic.twitter.com/r0xB4Iq1dc

— NICD (@nicd_sa) April 14, 2020

Tuesday, 14 April 2020

Joe Public execs support Solidarity Fund

We believe there is greatness in unity and call on industry executives to follow suit if and where possible. #Greatness #Unity #UnitedWeStand pic.twitter.com/XbfpLVU3nh

— Joe Public United (@joepublicunited) April 11, 2020

Heeding the call made by President Cyril Ramaphosa during last week’s lockdown extension speech, the founders of Joe Public United — Gareth Leck, GCEO, and Pepe Marais, group chief creative officer — have elected to reduce their salaries by one-third for the next three months with immediate effect. The funds raised in doing so will be donated to the Solidarity Fund in support of South Africa’s covid-19 relief efforts.

“The decision is aligned to the purpose of our business and is simply the correct thing to do during these extraordinary times,” says Marais.

Leck adds, “We remain united in the growth of our country and encourage executives within the advertising industry, who can do so, to respond to the president’s call in a likewise manner.”

Durban signage company making face masks

Expand A Sign, which traditionally manufactures portable branding solutions such as gazebos, banners and inflatables, has developed and secured orders for washable and reusable face masks aimed at helping SA stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.

According to Don Bailey, Expand A Sign chief executive, the shift in production to face masks is an opportunity to support staff and their families during the lockdown. Expand A Sign applied for and has been granted permission to operate as an essential service to produce these masks. It began fine-tuning the design and quality testing the masks last week. The masks have been successfully tested using a hospital autoclave machine to prove they can withstand temperatures of up to 130 degrees. This means that, unlike conventional disposable masks, they may be washed, sterilised and used again.

“These are not the medical grade masks that our health workers require, but masks that can help you and your employees to reduce the spread of the virus. We have developed a mask that is made of two pieces of locally woven 100% polyester 200gsm fabric, essentially doubling the barrier effect. It also has a handy internal pouch and elastic for an easy fit,” he explains.

“Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has advised all South Africans to use masks, especially when using public transport. I am pleased that our staff can help ensure that we do not have shortages of masks while still earning a living to take care of their families,” Bailey adds.

Bailey urges South Africans to take every precaution possible to prevent transmission of this coronavirus to others. This not only includes wearing protective masks but regularly washing hands and practising social distancing protocols.

While we have your attention: Please would you consider taking out a MarkLives membership to help finance our operations? The covid-19 pandemic is having a huge impact on society and industry. With your support, either as a once-off or monthly contribution, we can continue our coverage of its impact on our industry.

See also

• #CoronavirusSA: Adland responds to #covid19 (27 Mar–3 Apr)
• #CoronavirusSA: Adland responds to #covid19 (23–27 March 2020)
• #CoronavirusSA: Ad agencies, marketers’ responses to #covid19 (16–20 March 2020)
• #CoronavirusSA: Event changes, postponements, cancellations (16–20 March 2020)
• #CoronavirusSA – Special Section

This MarkLives #CoronavirusSA special section contains coverage of how the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, and its resultant disease, covid-19, is affecting the advertising, marketing and related industries in South Africa and other parts of Africa, and how we are responding. Updates may be sent to us via our contact form or the email address published on our Contact Us page. Opinion pieces/guest columns must be exclusive.

— Sign up now for the MarkLives newsletter, including Ramify.biz headlines, emailed every Monday, Wednesday and Friday! Become a MarkLives Member, too.

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