To say that we are living in interesting times is an understatement. Never did I expect my family and I to go into lockdown in our home. Never did I expect all businesses except those classified as 'essential' to be told to close doors. And never did I expect to do so as part of a worldwide initiative to combat a health threat. Neither, I am almost 100% sure, did you.
But here we are - citizens of earth - facing a situation that has for so long been the plotline for novels, TV shows and movies. And, here we are - South Africans - a nation living 21 days in isolation.
Bottled water was listed by our Government as both an essential product and as a food that is kept in supply during the national lockdown. And so, for SANBWA members, this 21-day period is business, just not business as usual.
The SANBWA Bottled Water Standard is one of the most stringent worldwide. Furthermore, the SANBWA office is in daily contact with the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa about the resolution of operational issues that will facilitate or hinder our members meet their obligations during this lockdown period.
I can assure you that SANBWA members will do everything they can to ensure the continuous supply of bottled water within the legal requirements that exist. At the same time, they will look after the safety of their employees, and adhere to all other legal requirements with respect to their businesses, for example, labelling and packaging, as well as the SANBWA environmental stewardship policy.
During this lockdown, if you are buying bottled water for your family, look for the SANBWA logo and buy with confidence knowing that it adheres to all relevant South African legislations, benchmarks favourably against other bottled water standards worldwide, and is bottled from a sustainable water source. Also, please consider buying extra and donating it to organisations assisting others either deliver essential services or with less resources to care for their own families during lockdown.
Our office needs to close during the lockdown period, but the line has been diverted to a mobile number, and you can also email sanbwa@worldonline.co.za.
Please, everyone, take good care.
Kind regards
Charlotte Metcalf
For more information on Covid-19, please click here
The South
African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) was formed in 1997 as
a standards setting and representative body for the industry. It is a
voluntary association of bottlers whose primary concern is the health,
safety and pleasure of their consumers. They therefore willingly conform
to the extremely stringent safety and quality measures contained in the
SANBWA Guidelines and Standards, although the cost to them of such
compliance is considerable.
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