Dear Editor
Yesterday, the Standing Committee and Department of Health hosted a public hearing at the Rocklands Civic Centre in Mitchells Plain to discuss and promote the Covid-19 vaccine in the community.
Following this event, we were delighted that there was positive engagement with residents and that many points of clarity were answered. Out of the approximate 60 attendees, 15% of them used the vaccine pop-up stand to receive either their first vaccination or booster shots.
Moving forward, as a Committee, we will be exploring ways to hold these public hearings after business hours so even more people can attend and share their various questions, views and concerns. It is important that this work continues and is able to reach even more people in the future.
As of 10 June, 33.94% and 52.56% of people living in the Mitchells Plain and Klipfontein Health Districts, respectively, had registered to be vaccinated. Overall, a cumulative total of almost 600 000 vaccinations have taken place with those above the age of 60 years being the highest proportion to having received one.
However, despite the age demographic of under 34-years-old being the largest group in these areas, they have the lowest vaccination rates. This remains a concern as young people are society’s future leaders and we depend on their buy-in so that our communities can continue to be safe from Covid-19. To combat low vaccination rates, the provincial Department has initiatives like the EMS Vaxi Taxi, Vooma weekend vaccination programmes and social mobilisation programmes to name a few.
MPP Wendy Kaizer-Philander says: “Yesterday’s engagement showed how deliberative democracy remains essential to ensuring that we have a strong relationship with our communities. During the session, many residents were able to ask questions and seek clarity on various issues relating to the Covid-19 vaccine and the work the Department is doing in this regard.
One such example was an elder in the community who is now able to go convince her own friends and family who have not been vaccinated because of the information she learned during the event. This has a multiplier effect, as the word of mouth is very powerful tool to spreading a message – especially one that has been proven to save lives.
As the DA, we look forward to more public hearings taking place in order for any doubts and concerns regarding the vaccine to be put at ease.”
Regards
Wendy Kaizer-Philander, MPP
DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Health
