TAXIMEN and the public must make use of the vaccination sites erected at taxi ranks!
MEC for Gauteng Roads and Transport Jacob Mamabolo, who spoke at the Kopanong and Jubilee Mall taxi ranks in Hammanskraal on Saturday, said the programme has now been expanded to include vaccination at public transport nodes.
“As part of Smart Mobility Weekends, we are doing vaccination programmes with the Department of Health. What we are seeing is that within a short time of setting up the pop-up vaccination stand, the response is exceptionally good,” said the MEC.
He said people should not be afraid to take the vaccine and should encourage one another to get their jabs.
“I’ve also taken my jab and I would like to urge everyone including the taximen to do the same.
“The Smart Mobility Weekends focused on potholes but now it has been expanded to vaccination.”
Taxi operator Steve Mawasha, who got his jab, said he was motivated to get vaccinated after hearing that restrictions might be applied to citizens who are not vaccinated.
“The taxi business requires us to move around a lot, and I wanted to make sure that I’m protected against the virus. I urge my co-workers to take the vaccine and be safe,” he said.
Martha Setlhare, an area manager from the Department of Health, said people should not be scared to get the vaccine and if they were not feeling well after getting the jab, they should consult immediately.
“Some may experience headache and tiredness, but this will go away within three days,” Setlhare said.
“The vaccine is safe for everyone, and people should not hesitate to get their jabs due to rumours. Let us encourage one another to get the vaccine and be safe.”