SAPS officially launch the Vaccine drive

Police Minister General Bheki Cele vaccinated 

The much anticipated SAPS vaccine was finally launched on 5 July at the Orlando Stadium  The initiative was led by the Minister of Policing General Bheki Cele, together with National Police Commisioner General Khehla Sithole and Acting Minister of Health Mamoloko Kubayi.

 

National Police Commisioner General Khehla Sithole 

General Cele first did a walkabout speaking to different police officers who eagerly waited to be vaccinated. Thereafter the minister briefed the media before pulling his sleeve up and getting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, followed by General Sithole. The duo were then followed by two members a female and male, Sergeant Natasha Govender, of Social Crime Prevention Coordinator at Eldorado Park SAPS and Constable Tebogo Refapa from the Social Crime Prevention Department, Diesploot SAPS showed complete encouragement for the balance of the police members to take their vaccine.

A total of 900 police officers were vaccinated between Orlando and SAPS Tshwane Academy where it will be also a vaccine site for them.

 

“The management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has expressed its satisfaction in the number of police officers that have come out in their numbers to get vaccinated at the launch of the SAPS Vaccination Drive held at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Gauteng.” said Major General Mathapelo Peters, SAPS Head of Corporate Communications and Liaison.. 

 

The Minister emphasised about the importance of having a healthy workforce.

 

“We don’t have any other scientifically proven way of preventing the severe effects of this virus other than getting vaccinated, so we are thrilled as the Police Ministry that this day has finally arrived and believe a healthy  SAPS is crucial in the fight against crime and maintaining the rule of law in the country. Our members can rest assured that they are now more protected from this vicious virus while they continue to serve and protect the people of South Africa,” said Cele. 

Sgt Natash Govender

The National Commissioner of the Police Service explained that the health, wellbeing and safety of the members remains as an utmost priority for management. 

 

"Today's turnout at our vaccination sites is indeed encouraging. We remain confident and optimistic  that more of our members will heed the call to get vaccinated. We will also continue to empower our members with information around the vaccine and our nationwide rollout program. While the rollout program continues, we will continue to ensure that non-pharmaceutical interventions are adhered to,” said General Sithole.

 

SAPS along with their stakeholders and medical aid partners POLMED and GEMS have managed to secure a total of 108 sites across the country for officials to be vaccinated and they all are registered with the National Department of Health.

Cst Tebogo Reface

“To date, 32 525 members have tested positive for the Covid-19 virus . 30 955 of these members have recovered but sadly, 672 members have succumbed to the virus.  By heeding to the call by SAPS management for all members to get vaccinated, the Service aims to reduce infections, transmissions and the mortality rate within the organisation,” explained General Peters.

 

She conclude by saying that the nationwide rollout of the SAPS Vaccination Programme will commence on Thursday, 8 July 2021 in all 9 provinces.