He vowed structures are in place to expedite the financing, sourcing and procurement of the vaccine.
“These vaccines need to be available for the majority of the people, I’d say we need to get them rolled out by the end of 2021.
“We have to set up structures to expedite financing, sourcing, the procurement and therefore the issues of the vaccine strategy will get undivided attention from the whole of government. We want to assure the public that we are very mindful of the urgency, particularly as we feel the impact of the second wave,” Mkhize said.
At the end of last year, South Africa paid R283 million towards the COVAX Covid-19 vaccine distribution scheme.
“We’ve secured the doses that will be acquired through the COVAX which will ensure that we immunise 10% of the population.
“But government is also in high level talks with other manufacturers including Pfizer and Moderna.”
He added he’s confident SA will catch up with countries abroad when rollout begins.
