This, as the number of those expected to be vaccinated against Covid-19 has been pushed  up from 582 000 to 789 554. 

Minister Angie Motshekga, briefing the media on Wednesday, said the department had vaccinated over 400 000 educators and non-teaching staff. She confirmed there had been delays in the programme with more support staff and independent schools needing to be added. 

She said, however, they are hopeful all people in the education sector will be inoculated by the time schools reopen on 19 July 2021.

She added that the Department of Health has agreed to provide the sector with additional doses.

"Additional education sector support staff, such as food handlers, janitors and support staff from independent schools, would be added to the education sector's vaccination programme," she said.

OFM News previously reported on how the Free State had targeted 32 000 people with 26 000 of them being educators.

Free State Education spokesperson, Howard Ndaba is yet to respond to OFM News' inquiry on progress made by the department and changes to be implemented in light of Motshekga's announcement.

OFM News