âââ KATLEHO MORAPELA 14:18 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 PHOTO: Marjanblan/Unsplash
Conditions for healthcare workers in the different provinces across the country is dire.
According to MPs responding to a presentation delivered by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize on Thursday morning, more needs to be done to strengthen the fight against the spread of the coronavirus. Mkhize was briefing the Portfolio Committee on Health on the rollout strategy of the Covid-19 vaccine and status of healthcare services in the provinces.
Whilst he assured the House that the vaccine will be in South Africa as of February as previously announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, opposition parties demanded answers as to how it will be rolled out amongst healthcare workers, other front line workers and vulnerable members of the public.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thandi Modise, has declined a request by the Chief Whip of the Democratic Alliance, Ms Natasha Mazzone, that she convene an urgent special sitting of the House to establish an ad hoc committee to oversee the roll out of the country’s vaccination program. In terms of the rules, an establishment of an ad hoc committee during a recess period (of more than 14 days) does not necessitate a sitting of the House. The Speaker may establish such a committee in .