This, after a group of disgruntled educators and support staff expressed their dissatisfaction at the Gonyane Primary School where hundreds turned up to be vaccinated against the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The group complained of a lack of social distancing at the site and what they viewed as poor coordination by the department. 

One 46-year-old teacher, who would like to remain anonymous, told OFM News no one from the department has directed them how proceedings were going to unfold nor how long they were going to stand in long queues. He says he is one of the teachers that have been standing in a queue since the early hours of the morning until noon and is fearful that he might contract the virus whilst awaiting his jab.

Meanwhile, Education spokesperson Howard Ndaba says they have noted concerns demonstrated by the teachers gathered at the school in Mangaung, but can assure them that they will all be assisted. He reiterates that no one will be turned away despite having received higher numbers of teachers and support staff than they anticipated.

“We would like to appreciate the enthusiasm shown by these teachers to get the jab. That shows that they are willing to partner with us to fight against this pandemic. What happened today was a demonstration that shows people want to take this vaccination, but the number was too high and as a result, it created some problems. Together with the Department of Health, we have since addressed the teachers and non-teaching staff to assure them that they must excise patience, we have enough jabs, and everyone will be vaccinated”.

OFM News earlier reported that a total of 32 000 education personnel in the province are expected to be vaccinated against the Covid-19 pandemic.

OFM News