/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Election Commission and the National Department of Health (DOH) have joined hands to contribute to the national effort to get as many South Africans as possible to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

In terms of the partnership, the DOH will set up a total of 1000 pop-up vaccination sites next to voting stations across South Africa, where unvaccinated voters will get an opportunity to get the jab.

Janet Love, the Vice Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, joined Dr Joe Phaahla, the Minister of Health, when the announcement was made.

Love said: “The importance of the protection that vaccinations against Covid-19 afford all in our country is something that was a focus of the recommendations in the report of Justice Moseneke. The Commission greatly appreciates the on-going support we have received from scientists in the Department of Health and various other medical experts which enabled us to navigate the pandemic and implement relevant best practice. While the Electoral Commission urges all eligible voters to cast their ballots in these elections, we urge all South Africans – whether registered or not – to take advantage of these pop-up sites and vaccinate.” 

The Commission welcomes and supports the national effort mounted by the DOH to get South Africans protected from Covid-19. 

The Commission has followed the Covid-19 guidelines from the DOH in developing its own protocols. 

The Commission points out that:

The vaccination will be done on a voluntary basis.

The pop-up vaccination sites will not interfere with electoral processes.

“It is important that voters understand that they are not required to be vaccinated in order to vote,” said Sy Mamabolo, the Chief Electoral Officer.

Mamabolo said the commission has, over the past year, been working with the DOH to work out Covid-19 protocols, all designed to contribute to the effort to reduce transmission rates and keep South Africans safe. 

He said for the 2021 Local Government Elections the focus has been on ensuring that the 23 148 voting stations do not become Covid-19 super spreader venues. 

The Commission reassures voters that all voting stations will be safe because the following protocols are in place:

The Commission has appointed a dedicated person from among the electoral staff to ensure compliance at voting stations.

Electoral staff will be provided with the necessary Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to minimise the risk of contagion or spreading of the virus.  PPE will include the following:

·         Masks

·          Disposable sanitizer wipes

·          Hand sanitising liquids

·          Sanitizer Sprays

·          Disposable litterbins with lids

The following acceptable methods to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be enforced:

·         Maintaining social distancing by observing distance of at least 1,5 meter away from other persons.

·          Surfaces that are frequently touched will be sanitized.

·         Voters are encouraged to bring their pens but those without will be provided with sanitized pens.

·         Table tops will be cleaned and disinfected frequently.

Issued by The Electoral Commission