The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has hit back against the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) saying it will not approve vaccines based on political pressure.

The EFF issued a statement accusing the SAHPRA of being “captured” as it approves Covid-19 vaccines for use in South Africa.

The party led a march to the SAHPRA office on Friday – with thousands of supporters and in contravention of the Disaster Management Act – demanding that the authority approve the use of Covid-19 vaccines manufactured by Russia and China.

In a statement issued on Monday, SAHPRA CEO Dr Boitumelo Semete said the organisation does not favour applicants.

“SAHPRA cannot allow political pressure to cloud a clear, science-based approach to approving health products where the safety of the public could be compromised. It will be a sad day in the country when the regulator is undermined or influenced by any party. On 25 June 2021 the EFF handed over a memorandum to the SAHPRA CEO. This will be responded to,” the authority said.

Semete stressed that the SAHPRA was science-based and that its focus is the safety, quality and efficacy of health products.

She said no vaccine would be made available until it met the regulatory requirements in line with the safety and well-being of the public.

“Furthermore, SAHPRA must take into account the local epidemiology, and specifically which SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern are circulating in the country. In essence, the EFF wants SAHPRA to approve vaccines without adherence to the critical components of safety, quality and efficacy. This could compromise public safety,” Semete said.