Premier encourages youth to get vaccinated
Premier Chupu Mathabatha said they opted to include young public figures in the vaccination drives because of the influence they have over their peers.
POLOKWANE – The provincial vaccination drive for persons aged 18 to 34 that was launched on Tuesday saw actors, artists, social media influencers and even sports personalities being vaccinated by Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba.
Premier Chupu Mathabatha, Ramathuba and Sport, Arts and Culture MEC Thandi Moraka launched the drive at the Jack Botes Hall.
They opted to include young public figures in the drive because of the influence they have over their peers, the premier remarked.
“We believe if they are vaccinated, their followers will follow suit. The fourth wave has already been predicted and we need to make sure everyone in the province is vaccinated.”
The province is among the leading provinces in terms of vaccination drives, with more than 1.4 million vaccinations having been done.
The premier said 3.5 million more citizen vaccinations should be done by the end of the year.
“The opportunity to now be able to vaccinate people 18 years and older is a good move towards our target.
“There are 5,8 million people in our province. If we can get the youths to vaccinate we might reach that target,” Mathabatha said. He thanked citizens responding to government’s call to vaccinate and prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“I encourage those who are 18 years and older to visit our 37 vaccination sites with their proof of identity and get vaccinated. Let us go all out in numbers in the fight against this pandemic and ultimately reach herd immunity. We must not be hesitant because it is scientifically proven that vaccines save lives. Young people are the future and this life is theirs. They must purposefully live a healthy life. The objective reality is that Covid-19 is real and we cannot sit back and wish it away. It is important to get the jab and if their role models can do it they can do it too.”
Ramathuba also said in recent weeks that she aims to engage liquor traders in order for only those who are vaccinated to be able to buy liquor.
“We are saying no jab, no alcohol. We are saying shebeen and tavern owners should not allow those who are not vaccinated on their premises. They must produce a vaccination certificate before they can buy liquor.”
Next in line from a vaccination site point of view would be colleges and universities, so students can be vaccinated, the MEC said.
Hangwani Ramakuwela, known as Mulalo in the series, Muvhango received his Johnson&Johnson vaccine on the day.
“I was lucky to be vaccinated by Health MEC Dr Ramathuba and I want to urge everyone to go to their nearest site and be vaccinated so that things can go back to normal.”
