All aboard! Golden arrow workers arm themselves against Covid-19 | Western Cape Government

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All aboard! Golden arrow workers arm themselves against Covid-19

25 October 2021

Golden Arrow workers, including bus drivers, queued for their free vaccinations at their Arrowgate Depot in Montana, on Monday 25 October 2021.

The vaccination outreach is a partnership between the provincial departments of Health and Transport, as well as Golden Arrow. It forms part of the October Transport Month programme and the provincial vaccination drive.

The provincial Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, accompanied Minister of Public Works Daylin Mitchell during the outreach where she thanked the transport sector for the partnership to vaccinate as many workers as possible. 
 

Minister of Health Dr Nomafrench Mbombo and Minister of Public Works Daylin Mitchell addressed workers during the vaccination outreach at the Golden Arrow Montana Depot outreach.

Minister of Health Dr Nomafrench Mbombo and Minister of Public Works Daylin Mitchell addressed workers during the vaccination outreach at the Golden Arrow Montana Depot outreach.


“Thank you for this partnership, we need everyone to work together. Vaccines are safe. We can ensure that we don’t experience a severe fourth wave. But we need to take our vaccines. To everyone here today in the transport sector, we know that you are exposed as you work with many people every day. Thank you for taking your vaccines.”

During the third wave, people aged 50 years and older made up 30% of COVID-19 cases, 60% of admissions, and 83% of deaths due to the virus.  During her address, Dr Mbombo called on workers in this age band to get their vaccinations ahead of December.

“While we start to vaccinate our children, we still need to vaccinate many elderly residents. There are many people who are 50 years and older who still need to get vaccinated. I urge you and all residents in this age band to visit their nearest vaccination site to get their jabs.”

Light vehicle driver Claudine Hull, aged 50, lined up for her vaccination. Claudine says she is a COVID-19 survivor and fears becoming seriously ill again. She has encouraged all residents to get their vaccinations.

“I am getting my vaccination because I had COVID-19 the first time around and it scared me completely. I am getting my vaccination to protect myself because of the type of work that I do. I work with public and work on the road. I am exposed to other people every day. I know if I get my vaccination, it decreases my chances of becoming seriously ill again or dying due to COVID-19.”

Bus driver Siyabonga Rasneni, aged 36, proudly showed off his arm after getting his vaccination. Like Claudine, Siyabonga works with hundreds of people every day and wants to keep safe against COVID-19.

“I got the vaccine because I want to feel safe. It’s because of our job as well. We work with money and many passengers. I thought It would be good for me to get vaccinated to keep safe and to keep my family safe as well.”

The Department appeals to all residents to get their vaccines and to avoid putting it off ahead of summer. Prioritising your vaccine can protect your health and your family’s. You don’t need to pre-register for vaccination. Visit your nearest vaccination site for support. For queries, reach out to our call centre at 0860 142 142.

Save Your Summer. Vaccination is for you!
 

Media Enquiries: 

Shimoney Regter
Communications Officer
Department of Health
Western Cape Government
Office: 021 815 8885
Cell: 081 342 6687
E-mail:  shimoney.regter@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za