To help ensure that every eligible person gets vaccinated against COVID-19, we’ve partnered with the Western Cape Government (WCG) and Witzenberg Municipality to launch a mobile vaccination clinic.
Since the start of the partnership in September 2021, the clinic has administered 24,365 vaccines
(and counting) on farms, at various facilities such as packhouses, and in underserved rural communities in the Witzenberg region.
“We believe that it’s vital that the corporate sector plays its part in extending South Africa’s COVID-19 vaccine programme in order that every eligible person can get vaccinated. Our partnership with the WCG and Witzenberg Municipality is one way in which we can show our commitment to making a difference during these unprecedented times and to support the communities in which we operate,” says Satish Bhoola, Kaap Agri’s Senior Manager: Sustainability & Legal, who manages the
company’s corporate social investments.
Traveling distance, limited access to vaccine sites, lack of public transportation, as well as work and family care duties make it difficult for some people, especially agri-workers, to get vaccinated. For this reason, Kaap Agri invested R242,000 in the project and used the funds to appoint two registered nurses and four administrators on fixed-term contracts, for computer equipment and mobile data to set up the clinic.
Project coordinator, Lameez van Wyk, says the partnership between Kaap Agri and WCG is enabling more equitable distribution of vaccines and helping to protect thousands of people.
“My passion has always been to help and work with people. That is why I’ve been a nurse for 26 years. It’s been encouraging to see so many people come to us to get their vaccination.
On some of our busy days we administer over 300 vaccinations. The help we received from Kaap Agri during this time has made a huge difference. I don’t think we would have been able to vaccinate as many people if we did not receive the extra support,” she adds.
Zintle Lalapi, one of the administrators employed by Kaap Agri, says the experience has been an eye-opener. “Being a part of this project, gives me the chance to contribute directly to a healthier and safer community and that makes me feel very proud,” she says.
One of the many farm workers who received a vaccination, Cornell Dewee, confirms that the
convenience of getting his vaccination at his work premises, served as an extra motivation to
get the jab.
“At first, I was a bit hesitant, but after some thought, I realised that it was a good opportunity to get my vaccine without spending extra money on transport to go into town. My decision to get vaccinated was ultimately to protect my family and colleagues,” he adds.
