#KEREADY VACCINATION DRIVE LAUNCH AT TSHWANE SOUTH TVET COLLEGE
Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla, Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela, and Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu launched the #KeReady Campaign at Tshwane South TVET College’s Pretoria West Campus on 18 February 2022.
Youth Lifestyle – Ke- Ready for Opportunity was the focus of the event. Vaccination outreach facilities were set up on campus for the week preceding the event. In addition, health promotion as well as screening strategies were facilitated by higher health, the college, and the Gauteng provincial government.
To kick start the proceedings a poem was rendered by Botlhale Boikanyo (poet) thereafter an energetic performance was done by a well-known south African artist – Dbn NYTS. However, the most important part of the proceedings was the dialogue which comprised of a panel of medical experts (doctors) who were referred to as the “vaccination squad” (Dr Busi Kabane, Dr SairaCarim and Dr James Menyah-Artivor), The Deputy Minister of Higher Education & Training – Mr. Buti Manamela, Social Development Minister – Ms Lindiwe Zulu and the Minister of Health – Dr Phaahla.
The aim of the dialogue was to inform the youth that vaccination is safe and protects one from becoming sick or dying from Covid-19.
As part of the launch, SRC President: Phumeza Mgodeli told the youth to get vaccinated and even referred to one of Amapiano’ s hit songs – “Umlando” which means follow suit. Likewise, the youth should also follow suite in making sure that they vaccinate to get their ducks in a row.
The Chief Executive of Higher Health – Prof. Ramneek Ahluwalia said that health is of utmost importance to the life of a student because it determines how long he or she will live. He went on to mention that not only is Covid-19 a pandemic but that Gender Based Violence –(GBV), HIV/AIDS, Mental Health amongst others remain some of the biggest endemics of our times.
“As of 12 February 2020, the vaccination rate for our 60+ age group is 61%, our aunts aged 50-59 are at 59%, 35-45 years old. The vaccination rate for this age group is 46% In the 18-35yrs age group, also known as the youth, the vaccination rate is 28.3%. We should do more because the youth shake this country said Dr Busi Kabane.”
At the end of the dialogue, the vaccination squad and ministers signed a pledge to take responsibility for their own livelihood by making sure that their general health is sound, and to care for their loved ones and community.
