The Gauteng Department of Education is urging learners 12-years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19. This comes amidst a rise of COVID-19 infections in the province and the emergence of the new Omicron variant.

The Gauteng Department of Health in collaboration with the provincial Department of Education will be embarking on a vaccination drive at schools and in communities targetted at learners aged 12-17 years old.

Education spokesperson Steve Mabona says MEC Lesufi is concerned.

“Gauteng MEC for Education Mr Panyaza Lesufi wishes to express his concern over the recent rise of COVID-19 infections in the province, as well as the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, and how this may have an impact on activities in the education sector as the academic year draws to an end. And as such we are urging all those who are eligible to take the vaccine to go and take the vaccine.”