MEC Lesufi unimpressed with empty vaccination sites on weekends
Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi is wondering why there is such a low turnout of people vaccinating during the weekend, particularly that more vaccination sites are opened on Saturday and Sunday.
Lesufi was at the West Rand vaccination site on Saturday. The pictures he shared showed only healthcare workers and empty seats.
“There were calls to open vaccination sites over the weekend but it’s Dololo and empty.”
There were calls to open vaccination sites over the weekend but it’s Dololo and empty #WestRand pic.twitter.com/EGz5dUaP9k
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) August 14, 2021
The Gauteng health department opened up more vaccinated sites in parts of the province, to ramp the rollout. This is after the lack of weekend vaccinations was pinpointed as a weakness in the national vaccine rollout plan.
People commented on Lesufi’s post saying the reason for the low turnout was because of the cold front that has hit the majority of the country this week.
There were also suggestions the vaccine registration be opened to 18-34-year-olds immediately rather than wait until 1 September.
Lesufi fully agrees.
Hi MM, let’s open for all. We can’t waste resources further. The tiktok generation must be allowed
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) August 14, 2021
I fully agree
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) August 14, 2021
People are still scared courtesy of fake news about vaccination,Gov should try other strategy to mobilise our people to get the jab. I like what game did show us proof of vaccination and get 10% . Buy the way MEC I did get my first jab.
— Boitumelo Legae (@kotjie) August 14, 2021
Vaccination sites
Gauteng health department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said in July they have taken steps to simplify the vaccine registration process.
“Various sites will be operational [on Sunday], and all those who are eligible to get vaccinated are urged to make use of this opportunity to protect themselves and their loved ones.
“It is important that we get as many eligible people as possible to go and get vaccinated,” she said.
There is still large hesitancy from the public whether or not to get vaccinated with misinformation being one of the key factors.
Last week, Premier David Makhura says he is still worried about the slow pace of inoculations for the elderly.
He said the provincial government wanted to double the number of vaccinations administered per day to 100,000.
Makhura said the focus would be placed particularly on the busy cities and metros of the province.
“We want to vaccinate 100,000 people a day in Gauteng. The focus is Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni because that is where we have the largest number of people in Gauteng.”
We now have a total of 30 vaccination sites that are operational this weekend as part of our efforts to improve access to vaccination.
Let’s brave the cold and get vaccinated. A special plea to the elderly who are 60 years & older who have not yet presented themselves to do so. pic.twitter.com/2MnZt4fJME
— David Makhura (@David_Makhura) August 14, 2021
-The Citizen
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