Covid’s cases have reached unprecedented levels since the beginning of the year, and the government has announced plans to launch a vaccine program this month.
South Africa is one of the most affected African countries, with more than one million cases and 31,368 deaths, as of Wednesday.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced on Thursday that the country will receive 1.5 million Covid-19 vaccines from the Serum Institute of India.
The minister said the first million doses will arrive this month, with the rest delivered in February. Priority will be given to over one million South African health workers in the public and private sectors in the first round of vaccinations.
At the same time, fears of a humanitarian crisis on the country’s border with Zimbabwe are mounting, where hundreds of workers have been blocked after a national blockade banning cross-border travel by the Zimbabwe government.
Hundreds of returning residents faced chaotic scenes while authorities delayed the release of travelers, most of whom traveled for Christmas holidays.
Zimbabwe’s Information Secretary Nick Mangwana told CNN: “There is no situation. There is no problem on the South African side. The Zimbabweans who were there wanted to meet the deadline and most of them were released on Tuesday. at 3 pm. ”
South Africa’s Interior Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, however, admitted that a humanitarian crisis was brewing at the Beitbridge border.
“It is clear that a humanitarian crisis is unfolding. I saw the photos. People are trying to escape the strong Zimbabwean blockade and curfew there,” said Motsoaledi.
The slow pace of release of travelers and verification of their Covid-19 certificates by South African authorities has caused frustration among immigrants from Zimbabwe.
The government responded to the second wave of infections by moving the country back to blockade level 3 on December 28, introducing stricter restrictions on social gatherings and banning alcohol.
They also imposed the mandatory use of face masks.