President Cyril Ramaphosa says those who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19 will delay the country’s ability to achieve herd immunity and ultimately the return to full economic activity.
He says while no one should be forced to take vaccines, people should be encouraged to be vaccinated for the safety and that of those around them.
Ramaphosa was responding to the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) leader, Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, in the National Assembly during his question and answer session.
The President adds that although the rights of people should be respected, they should be balanced against the rights of others to protect against infection.
President Cyril Ramaphosa Question and Answer session in parliament:
Earlier on Friday Health Minister Joe Phaahla said they have enough capacity to vaccinate between 300 000 and 400 000 people per day.
Phaahla was speaking at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital vaccination site on the country’s vaccination programme and government’s efforts in the fight against COVID-19.
Phaahla said vaccination remains a strong weapon against COVID-19. He says over 250 000 people are currently being vaccinated per day.
“So we have the capacity with the vaccinators and vaccination sites. But also thanks to the private sector. I want to assure South Africans that we are ready; all we need is your arms to come through so that we inject you. As much as we would wish for more people to come forward, we have the capacity currently with all the sites, with all the mobile sites, to do between 300 000- 400 000 vaccinations per day. It can be done,” says Phaahla.
Joe Phaahla media briefing on government efforts to fight COVID-19 pandemic:
