​Rofhiwa Marubini 
Gauteng province is experiencing a rapid rise in new COVID-19 infections. The numbers this week are four times higher than the previous weeks, pointing to an eminent fourth wave.
As at 26 November, Gauteng recorded 2 173 new COVID-19 infections.
Nationally the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reported 2 828 new cases. This increase represents a 9.1% positivity rate. 
The increase has been attributed to the new variant, B.1.1.529 which is believed to be highly transmissible, has been detected in the country.  
"As the fourth wave is approaching it is important for those who are unvaccinated to get their jabs to protect themselves from severe illness, hospitalisation or death in the event that they contract the coronavirus. 
"Let us continue practising safety measures such as wearing a mask, maintaining a safe physical distance, washing hands regularly with soap and water, and ensuring good ventilation," said Gauteng Provincial Government on Friday.
Vaccinating together with people's behaviour remains the most powerful weapons to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
"A higher vaccination rate will substantially help reduce the impact of the fourth wave and avoid stricter restrictions. At least 70% of the adult population must be vaccinated by mid-December."
As at 26 November 2021, 6.8 million vaccinations have been administered, with 4.3 million people receiving one dose of either J&J or Pfizer and 3.6 million people have been fully vaccinated in Gauteng.
All COVID-19 vaccines used in the vaccination programme in South Africa have undergone extensive trials and have been proven to be efficacious and safe.
It is up to each and every one of us to convince our family, friends and co-workers that vaccination is safe and that it could save their lives.