News24 reports that if Covid-19 vaccination rates don't improve, government might make it mandatory for all public service employees.

This was indicated in a circular from Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) director-general Yoliswa Makhasi, which was sent to all government director-generals and heads of departments encouraging them to improve vaccine uptake in the public sector. The circular, dated 27 October, stated: "Discussions are ongoing with stakeholders and organised labour to consider the introduction of a mandatory vaccine mandate, along the parameters of OHS [occupational health and safety] direction in case the voluntary uptake does not increase to an acceptable level as set by the Department of Health.” Makhasi also encouraged departments to develop awareness and share credible information about vaccinations with employees. Earlier this year, the Department of Employment and Labour issued a revised Direction on Occupational Health and Safety Measures on vaccinations in the workplace. The directive indicated that employers must do a Covid-19 risk assessment in the workplace, depending on operational needs. Employees and employers must also find a reasonable resolution when employees refused to be vaccinated on medical and constitutional grounds. If the government goes ahead with mandatory vaccinations, it would be joining the likes of Discovery Health and the University of Cape Town (UCT).

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tebogo Monama at News24

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