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Khosikhulu Vho-Toni Mphephu led by example by being the first to be vaccinated against Covid-19 at the Donald Fraser Hospital last Thursday. Grace Netshitungulu, a  professional nurse at the hospital, gave him his shot. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

Traditional leaders take the lead and get vaccinated

 

Khosikhulu Vho-Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, Thovhele Kennedy Tshivhase and several other traditional leaders led by example last Thursday when they rolled up their sleeves and stood in line for the Limpopo Department of Health’s Covid-19 vaccination campaign rollout at the Donald Fraser Hospital.

The traditional leaders, as well as traditional health practitioners, religious leaders, and health-care workers, were among the first in the Vhembe District to be vaccinated.

The department has started with the rollout of Phase 2 vaccinations at six different sites within the province. “We continue to make a call on our senior citizens, aged 60 years and above, to register for vaccination though an Electronic Vaccination Delivery System (EVDS). Let’s continue to follow Covid-19 protocols by wearing masks, wash hands with soap or use alcohol-based sanitiser, keep social distance, and avoid crowded areas,” said Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba.

Khosikhulu Ramabulana said supporting the government’s vaccination programme by setting the example was important. “We urge communities to adhere to the government’s vaccination programmes and follow all health protocols,” he said and added that traditional leaders should mobilise their communities.

Tshivhase, one of the senior traditional leaders of the Vhavenda people, fully agreed with Ramabulana during a chief’s meeting and imbizo held on the importance of encouraging everyone to be vaccinated to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

“I will always talk to my communities in Ha-Tshivhase to take the vaccinations seriously. We cannot just stand idly and watch from the side-line while all of this is happening. We as traditional leaders must take the lead in promoting it,” Tshivhase said.

Limpopo Department of Health’s media liaison officer, Mr Thilivhali Muavha, said traditional leaders, healers, and faith-based organisations such as pastors were included in the 60-years-and-older group.

One of the church leaders, Apostle Robert Nduvheni, who was also vaccinated on Thursday at the Donald Fraser Hospital, said he was very happy to learn that the Department of Health had finally rolled out their vaccination programme in the province. He undertook to contribute to the awareness campaign by encouraging his church members to get vaccinated.

 

 

Date:28 May 2021

By: Silas Nduvheni

Read: 825

 

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