​Rofhiwa Marubini 
To ramp up COVID-19 vaccinations ahead of the festive season, government calls on people living in South Africa to take advantage of the Vooma Vaccination Weekend.
Vooma Vaccination Weekend will take place from 12-14 November, with the aim of "galvanising massive country-wide support" in the fight against COVID-19.
During the drive, vaccination centres and points, including pop-ups, will be open all day across the country.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has put his weight behind the programme by appealing in a written letter to leaders in government, labour, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, business and civil society partners to support the weekends' activities.
While the country is unlikely to avert the fourth wave in December, a higher vaccination rate could substantially reduce its impact, especially if coverage among people aged 50 and older could be accelerated, the Department of Health said. 
To date, over 80% of confirmed COVID-19 deaths have been in this age group.
"Three out of five people aged 50 and older have now had at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine," said Health Minister Joe Phaahla.
"If we can get close to five out of five people in this age group vaccinated by the end of the year, we will crush the power of the 4th wave by substantially reducing the number of hospital admissions and deaths." 
The first Vooma Vaccination Weekend in October achieved 75% of its target of 500 000 vaccinations over the three-day period. 
Government hopes to achieve 100% of that target in the upcoming Vooma Weekend. 
"This target will only be achieved if there can be even greater mobilisation across all sectors of society, hence the president has called upon all leaders across various sectors of society to join hands with government," said Phaahla.
The goal is to ensure at least 95% capacity at vaccination sites on Saturday. 
While fewer sites will open on Sunday, Phaahla said the focus reach out to large faith congregations willing to be vaccinated on that day.
The lists of open sites (per province) are available on www.sacoronavirus.co.za.