Govt working to finalise mandatory vaccination consultations: Labour Minister

Labour and Employment Minister Thulas Nxesi says government is now working to finalise consultations on the introduction of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination in the country.

Delivering the keynote address at this year’s National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) annual summit in Johannesburg, Nxesi said government had already received input from representatives of government, business and labour about what should be done to facilitate the introduction of mandatory vaccination, especially in the workplace.

Labour and Employment Minister Thulas Nxesi addresses national summit

“So that vaccination can become mandatory where a risk assessment at the workplace requires this, that access to certain venues should be restricted to vaccinated only … can be adhered to,” adds the Minister.

Prof. Sylvester C. Chima on mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy:

Meanwhile, the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) says although it supports vaccinations, it is determined to fight for the workers who have opted not to be vaccinated.

The country’s third-biggest labour federation, the Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa),  has deferred a decision on whether or not to support the introduction of mandatory vaccinations in the country.

This as sharp disagreements on the controversial issue emerge among its affiliate trade unions.

The South African Teachers Union and the National Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa say they will soon announce their decision on the matter.