Health MEC launches vaccine programme for taxi operators
“We currently have 83 people who died from Covid 19 and 585 active cases. We want our community to stay vigilant and take the necessary precaution to curb the spread of the deadly virus, one life lost is one too many,” said Mr Zuma.
Health MEC, Ms Sesekane Manzini launched the Mpumalanga taxi industry vaccination programme at the taxi rank in Secunda on Monday, July 13.
Taxi owners and drivers from Vukanini Taxi Association came out in numbers to received their vaccine doses.
Mr Fanyana Sibanyoni, SANTACO and Vukanini Taxi Association chairperson, was the first to be vaccinated followed by SANTACO, Gert Sibande regional leadership.
Before he got his vaccine, Mr Sibanyoni applauded Ms Manzini for believing in SANTACO and for bringing the taxi vaccination rollout programme to Secunda.
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He also promised the MEC that all owners and drivers will be encouraged to take the vaccine.
The Govan Mbeki Municipality’s executive mayor, Mr Nhlakanipho Zuma, said they are concerned about the number of infections within the municipality’s borders.
“We currently have 83 people who died from Covid 19 and 585 active cases. We want our community to stay vigilant and take the necessary precaution to curb the spread of the deadly virus, one life lost is one too many,” said Mr Zuma.
Ms Manzini said the government decided to roll out the vaccinations to taxi operators because they transport commuters every day.
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“Taxi drivers are at risk because of their work. The majority of citizens in this country rely on taxis to and from work, and even to go to towns.
“If we lose one driver, it means one taxi doesn’t have a driver. Taxi drivers are like health workers because of their experience on how to take care of their commuters.
“We begin here with the program and will be visiting all taxi ranks around our province to encourage taxi operators to take the vaccine,” said Ms Manzini.
Ms Fikile Nyembe, the municipal speaker, and Ms Thandi Ngxonono, MMC for Planning and Development, also took the opportunity and be vaccinated at the taxi rank. All taxi drivers said they will be waiting to receive their second dose of vaccine.
