Mkhize confirms acquisition of COVID-19 vaccine for frontline workers

Zweli Mkhize was recently interviewed by local media to dispel suggestions that South Africa has not acquired a COVID-19 vaccine, as he claimed that the country has sourced enough for frontline workers.

Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize took to Twitter on Friday, 8 January 2021, to confirm the sentiments he shared in several interviews about the acquisition of a COVID-19 vaccine. During the interviews, he dispelled the suggestions that his department has failed to acquire a vaccine.

Contrary to the belief, Mkhize confirmed that his department has managed to acquire a vaccine. He tweeted, “We have spoken to Serum Institute, our President has also spoken to the Prime Minister of India. We have our agreement and will receive the vaccines. There is no issue on our end.”

In a subsequent tweet confirming the roll-out plan for the acquired vaccine, Mkhize claimed that the first batch will cover frontline workers. Moreover, he claimed that the department is “within the right time to acquire the vaccines. We will also acquire the number of vaccines needed for two-thirds of our population. I just want to assure all South Africans we are on course.”

See the posts below.

@Newzroom405 The availability of the vaccine is a real boost in our fight against #COVID19.

— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) January 8, 2021

@MorningLiveSABC the estimation takes us to about 1,5 million. It is a whole package; public and private sectors, doctors, nurses, general workers, security etc. It is across the spectrum that will be vaccinated.

— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) January 8, 2021

Sabelo Makhubo
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