Sasol, an integrated energy and chemical company, has launched a five-day vaccination drive expected to see about 20,000 employees and service providers vaccinated against Covid-19.
The exercise is in partnership with the Government of Mpumalanga.
In a statement, Sasol said the exercise is in preparation for upcoming maintenance shutdown of its operations.
The company said the vaccination drive is an added measure to safeguard all those who would be involved in the activity.
“By getting a vaccine, individuals do not only protect themselves, but protect their loved ones, colleagues and their community,” said Mashudu Ndou, Vice President and Head Corporate of Community Affairs for Sasol Secunda Operations.
Sasol Secunda Operations plans to hold its annual maintenance work from August 30 to September 24. This will involve workers from different regions.
Sasol said that it would continue to observe health and safety guidelines during the work. However, the company hopes that the vaccination drive would be an added measure to safeguard workers from COVID-19.
Mpumalanga would provide trained personnel and vaccines to support the drive.
Provincial Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane and Health MEC Sasekani Manzini attended the launch of the drive. They also toured the Sasol Medical Centre in Secunda.
The premier called for collaboration between the government, the private sector and the media to drive positive messages on the vaccine. Mtsweni-Tsipane said the partnership with Sasol should encourage other companies to take similar steps.
Mpumalanga has provided resources such as the vaccines and trained personnel for the Sasol drive.
Mpumalanga plans to focus on Emalahleni and Mkhondo next.
As of July 23, the province has vaccinated 328,000 people, while there are more than four million inhabitants.
South Africa has administered more than 6.3 million doses. South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa moved the country to Level 3 on July 25.
The order allows interprovincial travel to resume and for some gatherings to be held.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
