By Libuseng Nyaka
QWAQWA – Free State Premier Sefora Ntombela has urged leaders from all spheres of life to take the lead in the fight against Covid-19 and encourage their followers to vaccinate.
Ntombela made this plea at Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose on hall on Thursday last week, while addressing traditional healers, and religious and community leaders during Vooma vaccination campaign.
She said efforts need to be stepped up to vaccinate 500 000 people, to reach 15 million by December thus ensuring protection against a possible fourth wave. Some have of them have already received their first jab of Pfizer.
“When the corona pandemic first surfaced, we did not know how to deal with it and how best we could stop the spread of the virus, but today we have vaccines which have proven to be very effective in terms of decreasing the infections. We are here to protect the citizens and ask you to assist us to spread this message and educate your followers about the importance of vaccination.
“We cannot do that alone, that is why we have called you because you’re the engine of the province; through your support we can defeat this virus. We plead with all leaders to join us and encourage their followers to vaccinate so that we can return to our normal lives. We want to go back to churches, to open sporting activities with audiences and entertainment such as the Mangaung Arts and Culture Festival. We urge businesspeople too to encourage their workers to vaccinate,” Ntombela said, ahead of the festive season and threat of a fourth wave.”
At the same occasion, the deputy chairperson of the Free State House of Traditional Leaders, Morena Neo Mopeli, reiterated the importance of vaccination.
“The vaccine against Covid-19 can save many lives because it boosts your immune system. When Covid-19 attacks you, you will not fall very ill or get hospitalized if you have vaccinated; your body would have already been familiar with the virus and ready to protect you against it. Therefore, it is very crucial for every eligible person to get vaccinated. Choose vaccination and live.”
