From 64 vaccinations on Monday, the number jumped to 144 yesterday, along with the geographical spread of the over-60 members of the public who came to the Vaccination Centre on North Campus for the first of their two Pfizer jabs.
(See SABC broadcast of the Vaccination Centre)
The University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa (see below) also visited the Centre yesterday – not yet to receive her vaccination – but to witness firsthand the “vaccination journey” process and the good work of the institution’s Occupational Health Services team.
Yesterday, there was a steady flow of people who had got word of the University’s “professional and caring service” from friends who work at the institution, as well as on social media.
“I was told about the opportunity by a cousin who had heard from his priest in Summerstrand about the good service offered by the University, and so here we are,” said Mrs Charmaine van Wyk, who had travelled with her husband, Jo, from Palmridge in the Northern Areas.
Of the 144 who were vaccinated yesterday, only 14 were staff members. The majority of the University staff in the over 60s category took advantage of the opportunity on Monday and Tuesday as per an agreement with the Department of Health.
A number of retired staff members, like former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Leitch, have also received their first jabs.
Another, former head of Building and Human Settlements Franco Geminiani, bought his wife, Silvana, and father, Luigi, aged 96, so they could each receive their first jabs (see accompanying photograph).
“This is a brilliant initiative. It is a wonderful community service initiative from Mandela University to the residents of Summerstrand. It certainly alleviated long queues at other centres.
“I would also like to compliment the Occupational Health Services for the excellent manner in which the process is conducted efficiently, professionally, and most important, all the necessary protocols were in place. Compliments to all the vaccinating sisters. Well done,” wrote Franco in a mail to the University.