Minister Fernandez visits social services sector COVID-19 vaccination site

Today, Thursday 29 July 2021, the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, conducted an oversight visit at West EMS Pinelands COVID-19 vaccination site, which is one of seventeen sites around the province where members of the social service sector can receive their vaccine.

With only two days left for all members of the social development sector to be vaccinated, today’s visit formed part of the Department’s final preparation for the rush that we are expecting before the vaccination rollout for the social development sector comes to an end tomorrow, Friday,  30 July 2021.

“For those individuals who work in the social development sector and have not yet registered to be vaccinated, you still have time to do so. I wish to urge all in the social sector who have not received an SMS, to register themselves on the EVDS system or on your arrival at one of the seventeen designated sites, so that they too can benefit from this opportunity.

I would like to remind everyone that the COVID-19 vaccine serves as our most effective way to fight the current pandemic, and to save lives,” said Minister Fernandez

The provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) can report that as of the 29 July 2021,  4 549 persons have received their COVID-19 vaccine as part of the vaccination rollout for the social development sector.

The South African Council of Social Service Professionals has also facilitated the registration of its members – who include social workers from NGOs and those in private practice, social auxiliary workers, and child and youth care workers.

ECD staff and social service professionals can find out whether they have been loaded onto the EVDS by calling: 0800 029 999 or one can register at a designated social development sector vaccination sites.

ECDs who have queries about their sites may contact the following representatives:

“I wish to thank all frontline workers in the Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners and staff, all social service professionals which includes social workers, auxiliary social workers including student social workers who are currently doing fieldwork, community development practitioners and frontline staff working in social development facilities for their ongoing commitment and devotion in helping us manage the spread of the virus and for remaining steadfast in delivering services to the people of the Western Cape. We are grateful and appreciative of all your efforts during these challenging times,” concluded Minister Fernandez.

For more information about our other services, or information on vaccination sites, please refer to the Western Cape Department’s Website below:

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development/projects/980/17417