June 03 Covid-19 vaccine rollout gains momentum by Mfana Msibi
SOUTH Africa has entered a critical phase in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic with the roll out of the second phase of the vaccination programme.
Phase 2 targets people aged 60 and older. It is running concurrently with phase 1b which will see the vaccination of remaining health care workers. The rollout of the vaccination programme could not have come at a better time, as we experience a surge in Covid-19 cases. We are confident that this intervention will help slow the spread of the virus and save lives. EThekwini joins the rest of the country in this important vaccination drive and we encourage residents – especially the elderly- to register to receive their jab. This will help protect themselves and others.
We will also intensify our educational campaigns to debunk myths surrounding the vaccines. There is a lot of misinformation about the vaccine in communities, which leads to people secondguessing the efficacy of it. As the leadership of eThekwini Municipality, we are guided by science and experts who have given assurance that the vaccine will provide protection against this deadly virus. It is everyone’s responsibility to highlight the benefits of being vaccinated and not spread misinformation.
In line with the provisions of the Municipal Systems Act, the City concluded its draft 2021/22 Budget, Integrated Development Plan, Spatial Development Framework and Annual Report public consultations drive. The R52.3 billion budget was adopted at a Full Council meeting where feedback from residents was considered. I thank eThekwini residents for their valuable input during these sessions. During these public engagements, we were also able to hand over projects that have been completed.
Informal traders in uMlazi were delighted to be allocated space to conduct their business from the new automotive and informal traders’ hub in Ezimbuzini. In Verulam, we opened the Verulam Fire Station which cost R27million. The station will service the Caneland Industrial Area, King Shaka International Airport and Cornubia areas. To assist young people access jobs and business opportunities, two Human Capital Centres of Excellence, in Hammarsdale and KwaDabeka, were handed over to the community.
This initiative will enable members of the community to apply for jobs online in the areas where they live, and not have to travel outside their community to access these services. These achievements further illustrate that we are a caring and responsive government. We recommit ourselves as the leadership of the City, that we will not rest until the lives of residents change for the better. Let us continue working towards making eThekwini Africa’s most caring and liveable city.
