Covid19 Vaccines: Government Says Illegal Immigrants Won't Be Excluded
- The government won't be barring illegal immigrants from accessing Covid-19 vaccines
- This is according to National Treasury director-general Dondo Mogajane
- Mogajane is adamant that the state will not be turning away undocumented people
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The government has confirmed that illegal immigrants in South Africa will also enjoy access to Covid-19 vaccines.
Source: Getty Images
National Treasury director-general Dondo Mogajane revealed as much during a virtual meeting between the department and the SA National Editors Forum earlier this week:
“We are in SA and we have many millions of undocumented people and [we can't say they shouldn't receive the vaccine as they are undocumented]. The demand for the vaccine is going to be exceeded, and we are not going to turn away undocumented people…”
The director-general explained that the vaccine was for the public good and that the government would appreciate medical companies would procure vaccines for more people than just their clients:
“We welcome all the donations and if medical aids want to pay for three people extra, and they must know that it's for the public good."
The official further noted that the vaccination campaign is the responsibility of the government and that the 'state cannot be found wanting' as far as this is concerned.
Treasury says that the request for a deviation from standard procurement procedures has been granted for the vaccine drive.
Four logistics companies have been awarded tenders to transport the vaccines at specialised temperatures, these contracts are set to be reviewed after six months.
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that South Africa's National Coronavirus Command Council is gathering for what sources have dubbed a 'regular' meeting.
The government is preparing to receive the first batch of Coronavirus vaccines which are expected to arrive in the country any day now.
The first doses of the vaccine are set to be administered to health workers on the frontlines of the battle against the virus.
TimesLIVE reports that government spokesperson Phumla Williams confirmed that the meeting is taking place but refused to provide further insight into the agenda.
This comes as the nation has recorded a steady decline in infections over the course of the past week. Most recently, 680 new fatalities were recorded with around 6 000 new cases.
The government is currently under immense pressure from the liquor and restaurant industry to lift the current ban on alcohol, but many are unconvinced that this will take place any time soon.
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Source: Briefly News
