Mapulaneng Campus Vaccination Launch
It has been noted with concern the slow pace in which students and staff were getting vaccinated for the Coronavirus. The College has been having vaccination rollout campaigns since the Government and the Department of Health opened for the vaccination of people eighteen years until thirty-four years of age. However, the campaigns have not been satisfactory and it has been discovered that this reluctance of people to get vaccinated was caused by the ever-spreading of myths around the Covid-19 vaccine.
The Department of Health in Mpumalanga and Higher Health collaborated with the College to demystify the Covid-19 vaccine and to tackle the myths around vaccination. Mapulaneng Campus with the most number of students but with the least number of people participating in taking the vaccine was identified to host the biggest Covid-19 vaccination rollout campaign the College has ever had as an effort to clarify the misconceptions around vaccination and to encourage students and staff to vaccinate. After proper planning and preparations, Mapulaneng Campus was ready for the occasion that was held on Thursday, 08 October 2021 from 09:00 where students and staff members came out in number to attend the campaign despite the unfavourable weather condition.
The glorious event was graced by the presence of the Honourable MEC S. Manzini of the Mpumalanga Department of Health, Professor R. Ahluwalia the CEO of Higher Health, Dr P. Balkrishen the DHET Regional Manager for Mpumalanga and North West region, College Council representatives, College Senior Management, Student Representative Council, students and staff. Local media houses were also present to support the occasion and to keep the public aware of the initiative taken by the College and its stakeholders in promoting the vaccination campaign at the College.
The College Principal, Mr Mbuyane welcomed everyone who attended the event and introduced the guests of honour. After the introduction of guests, he described the purpose of the event which was to clear the misconceptions around vaccination and to encourage students to take the opportunity and get vaccinated. Ms Mayosi, Deputy Principal (Corporate Services) gave a message of support and she encouraged students and staff to get vaccinated and save lives. She indicated that getting infected Covid-19 is never pleasant and she would not wish for anyone to experience it.
On behalf of DHET, Dr P Balkrishen expressed his gratitude towards MEC Manzini, Prof R Ahluwalia, Council representatives and everyone who honoured the invitation amid their committed schedules. Dr Balkrishen then mentioned that Professor Ahluwalia’s presence was a blessing as he was the correct and relevant person to clarify issues concerning vaccination. Ms SV Mabilane, College Council representative gave her words of support and displayed her appreciation towards MEC Manzini for always supporting Colleges’ events with services from her department.
In his message of support, Professor Ahluwalia gave facts about the vaccine that the vaccine is meant to save lives and prevent hospitalization and the severity of Covid-19. Professor Ahluwalia made a few examples of frequently asked myths on the Covid-19 vaccine and mentioned that he was going to be available throughout the event to answer all questions regarding the vaccine and give information directed at tackling the myths about the vaccine.
Ms C Hlangwini who spoke on behalf of the SRC mentioned that she was going to get vaccinated on the day and she encouraged students to get the vaccine because it will save their lives.
Mpumalanga Department of Health’s MEC S Manzini appreciated the College for such an event and she mentioned that students should not believe the negativity they come across on social media platforms concerning the vaccine. MEC Manzini took the opportunity and reminded students and staff that HIV is still a pandemic and that students should continue protecting themselves against HIV and that students must prioritize education and let dating wait until they complete their studies. The MEC included the pandemic of gender-based violence in her speech and urged young men to stand up and join the fight against the abuse of women and children.
Ms JL Dibakoane thanked the organisers, guest speakers and everyone present for making it a success. After the official closing remarks by Ms Dibakoane, students and staff lined up to get their vaccines because the myths and misconceptions around it were tackled.