Tsiu said the number of teachers that showed up is more than what they anticipated, as they expected 500 teachers and non-teaching staff at schools. However, they had already made alternative plans. She said that those who were not registered are welcome, as they already prepared for those who need to be registered at alternative vaccination stations. "We have prepared to take teachers who were not expected here today, to Pelonomi as our alternative vaccination station." 

Tsiu says the department had already prepared for the personnel at various districts within the province to be vaccinated. She further stated that they hired more nurses to ensure that the teachers’ vaccination programme does not disturb the first phase of vaccinating those 60 years and above. 

OFM News previously reported that the MEC of Education announced that Wednesday 23 June 2021 will be the first day that teachers will be vaccinated under the vaccination programme "Drop all and vaccinate".

Tsiu, together with the Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela, MEC of Education Tate Makgoe, and other officials were at the Gonyane Primary School in Bloemfontein, as part of kick-starting the vaccination campaign for teachers and non-teaching staff in the Free State province.

According to Tsiu, they are targeting 32 000 teachers to be vaccinated within the Free State Province.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi