Franschhoek may soon be the first village in South Africa to have herd immunity from COVID-19. That is the aim of a mass vaccination drive, planned by Franschhoek Wine Valley, which is scheduled to start on 1 September. The campaign has the full support of Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, who recently visited the village.
“It is our ambition for Franschhoek to be first town in SA to be fully vaccinated,” says Ruth McCourt – marketing manager for Franschhoek Wine Valley. “This is the only way we will get our international tourists back and resuscitate our crippled tourism industry. Victoria Falls achieved herd immunity earlier this year by vaccinating their whole town and are starting to reap the benefits of tourists coming back. This drive will save lives and create jobs in our valley as international visitors will feel safe to once again visit our valley.”
From 1 September anyone aged 18 or over will be able to get a vaccine. This includes foreign nationals upon presentation of their passports as a form of ID.
Vaccination dates and venues will be advised as soon as the Premier has confirmed the availability of a sufficient number of vaccine doses. The campaign will be co-ordinated by Ashley Bauer, who is well known in the valley for his emergence preparedness and fire prevention/management work. Thus far the Groendal Community Centre, Franschhoek Town Hall and Three Streams Smokehouse have been confirmed. Large businesses are encouraged to contact Ashley to bring the vaccination drive to their premises.
There will be volunteers at all vaccination sites to assist unregistered persons to register via WhatsApp for same day vaccination.
The Bhabhathane Project is distributing 3800 tri-lingual pamphlets that were printed by FWV at all local schools to ask children to assist their parents and entire households to register for vaccination. Data is often a problem in less affluent parts of the community and employers in the valley are asked to also assist their employees and their families with registration.
COVID-19 VACCINE: How to Register
The public can now register on the COVID Whatsapp number by sending “REGISTER” to 0600 123 456.
To register by SMS dial *134*832*your ID number#
Persons who don’t have an ID number can dial *134*832#
Individuals will have to present their unique code (received through SMS), their original ID document, valid driver’s licence, passport or affidavit at the vaccination site to receive their second shot.
