According to the provincial spokesperson for the Department of Education, Geoffrey van der Merwe, this equates to only about 50% of the target population. 

He appeals to all teachers and support staff to present themselves as soon as possible at vaccination sites. 

The province, together with others, are expected to have vaccinated all those involved in the education sector by Thursday 8 July. 

During a provincial visit to monitor the vaccination of teachers, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said she was pleased with how the Free State and the Northern Cape are rolling out the programme and was confident they would meet the deadline. 

Meanwhile, Van der Merwe appeals to all staff in the education sector to make use of the rollout programme and get vaccinated in efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19.

“We believe that during the school recess more teachers will find their way to the vaccination sites and arm themselves better against Covid-19  before schools re-open. We request staff in the Education sector therefore to embrace the opportunity as they are being acknowledged as key frontline staff who render a critical service to our communities, but also play a critical role in securing the future of our children,” said Van der Merwe.

Motshekga, during her visit last week to the Newton Primary School, used as a vaccination site in Kimberley, said they are pleased with how teachers and non-teaching staff have been coming in their numbers to get vaccinated.

OFM News