April 2020

Marinda Mankapan, a local seamstress from the small Witzenberg town of Ceres, has successfully registered a small business to make protective masks. She started producing cloth masks to help local community members last month and has now increased her production to supply a factory in the Agriculture sector, and a local spaza shop in Ceres, who is donating masks to local community members in need.

The masks are also being supplied to essential staff such as the local Department of Social Development and the local police.
“Ms Mankapan’s services are in demand as community members flock to buy fabric masks. Luckily she can now keep up with the demand with the help of two staff members and with plans on possibly hiring additional help,” said Jo-Anne Brown, Economic Development Manager at Perdekraal East Wind Farm.

Sewing used to be a hobby for her, making bathroom sets, couch covers and basic tailor work, until her funds for her supplies ran out. However, thanks to the Perdekraal East Wind Farm’s enterprise development programme, assistance was provided to help sustain this local enterprise. Miranda registered her company in March 2020 with the motivation and support from the local wind farm.

The wind farm recently supplied Ms Mankapan with fabrics and other sewing necessities so that she can keep up with the increased demand for material masks.

“We are pleased that she is able to supply to the local agriculture sector, one of the largest industries in the area, so that their staff can continuing to work,” added Brown.

Ms Mankapan can be contacted at 082 799 6010 for orders.