​Rofhiwa Marubini 
Government is looking at "soft incentives" to encourage more people to vaccinate. 
Though taking the jab is mandatory, government, among others Is considering opening-up access to places of hospitality, worship, sports and entertainment to those who are vaccinated.​
This was confirmed by Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla on Friday, morning at a media briefing at the Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital.  
"The South African government is looking into "soft incentives" to encourage vaccination. It is exploring free entertainment, sports events (such as soccer games), and cultural events that people will be able to attend if they agree to be vaccinated," said Phaahla. 
Phaahla was accompanied by Gauteng health MEC, Nomathemba Mokgethi and US Embassy officials.
He said it is the duty of the government to convince people to get vaccinated. 
"The government's priority is to convince people to come forward for vaccination voluntarily. It's not currently our priority to mandate it. But we are aware of the debate around this, and we encourage businesses to implement policies that are within the law."
Premier David Makhura has emphasised that they​​ will use partnerships to convince the public that there is no better way of fighting the pandemic than vaccinating.
"We're going out there to find partners – civil society, various organisations and state institutions. We're also going to communities, to organisations to ramp up this vaccination programme because in the end vaccinating more and more people is the best we can do in fighting this pandemic," says Makhura.
Gauteng's economic recovery depends on vaccinating as many people as fast as possible.
In this light, the province needs to vaccinate 10 million people by mid December 2021.
With the country expected to enter a fourth wave of the virus in November, the province needs to get as many people vaccinated to minimise its impact. 
All persons 18 years and older are encouraged to visit their vaccination site to receive the jab.