Zweli Mkhize Pushed SAHPRA to Release J&J Vaccine Before His Special Leave
- Shortly before being put on special leave, Dr Zweli Mkhize reportedly pushed for SAHPRA and the FDA to continue with the vaccination rollout programme
- The vaccination rollout programme involves the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the country desperately requires the vaccine rollout to continue
- Mkhize reiterated the necessity of the vaccine and spoke about two-thirds of the population that need to be vaccinated with the J&J vaccine
PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed!
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize reportedly made calls for the South African Health Products Authority (SAHPRA) as well as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to sort the issues they have with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine out.
Mkhize made the call shortly before President Cyril Ramaphosa placed him on special leave. On Tuesday, the minister stated that the country is desperate to ensure the vaccine rollout continues on a daily basis.
He continued by saying that two-thirds of SA citizens that need to receive the Covid-19 vaccine are waiting for J&J to come through.
Source: Getty Images
Vaccination process
A report by BusinessDay, stated that the vaccination plan should be rearranged so that it can be disposed of in a period of two weeks, this is done to beat the shelf-life issues that may be faced if the vaccination rollout takes too long.
TimeLIVE reported that Mkhize had been placed on special leave while the Special Investigating Unit continues its probe into the irregular communications tender that was awarded to Digital Vibes. The minister addressed the concerns surrounding Digital Vibes while on a Northern Cape visit.
PAY ATTENTION: Never miss breaking news – join Briefly News' Telegram channel
Mkhize special leave
Earlier, Briefly News reported that the South African government has confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa placed the Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize on special leave.
The statement released by the government has revealed that Mkhize has been placed on leave to allow him to focus on the allegations that have been levelled against him of corruption.
The scandal surrounds the service provider Digital Vibes which has been accused of having benefitted from Mkhize and in return gave the minister kickbacks. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is currently carrying out an investigation into Digital Vibes and the controversial R82 million tender and the president is awaiting the outcome of the report.
Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!
Source: Briefly News
