Politics

Mashaba endorses use of COVID-19 vaccine

Published on

20 January 2021

Herman Mashaba is the latest political figure to endorse the use of the COVID-19 vaccine, stating that he will be first in line to take it when it is made available.

Leader of ActionSA, Herman Mashaba took to Twitter on Tuesday, 19 January 2021, to share a video confirming that he endorses the use of a COVID-19 vaccine. Mashaba’s public endorsement of a COVID-19 vaccine comes amid much scepticism from the public, due to various myths and conspiracy theories surrounding the source of the vaccine that will be made available locally.

However, Mashaba acknowledged the need for a “voluntary vaccine programme,” stating, “But, ActionSA’s position on COVID-19 treatment acknowledges that it must be the right of every South African to determine, with informed consent, whether they will receive the vaccine or not. The sanctity of a person’s body, cannot be infringed.”

In his posts, Mashaba appeared to be mindful not to alienate any potential supporters of his party. The need to assure his current supporters while canvassing for more started when Mashaba initiated a tug of war between his party and Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) for votes. Mashaba, this past week, started what is believed to be a political back-and-forth with the EFF, after laying a complaint against Malema in Parliament for his contentious comments on illegal immigrants.

See the post below.