​Rofhiwa Marubini 
Gauteng elderly braved the winter chill this morning queueing up at various vaccination centres across the province, to be first in line to get the lifesaving jab on the first day of the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout programme.  
In this phase, persons 60 years and older are being prioritised for vaccination as they are more vulnerable to serious illness, hospitalisation and death in the event they contract COVID-19. 
Gauteng Premier, David Makhura joined by the Minister of Health, Dr. Zweli Mkhize and the MEC for Health in Gauteng Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi visited Munsieville Care for the Aged and Moria Old Age home in Krugersdorp North.
Amongst the first five elderly to be vaccinated at the center was 73-year-old Orlando Pirates Chairman, Dr. Irvin Khoza who said he was grateful that he was amongst the first to get the jab.
Dr. Khoza said COVID-19 vaccination was not an option but a must for all South Africans, so that life can get back to normal. 
He further urged all South Africans to get vaccinated. 
"There is no other option available for anybody except to vaccinate, I never asked any questions, never doubted anything because getting vaccinated is a must. 
"If we do not observe the rules, we are going to crush, for this country to stabilize quicker and faster and go back to our normal lives everyone must go and vaccinate when it's their turn," said Dr Khoza.  
He also appealed to the public to continue adhering to the COVID-19 regulations and non-pharmaceutical interventions. 
"I would say getting vaccinated is not enough people must always keep social distance, keep your mask on, wash your hands and sanitize all the time," he added. 
At 10 am, 72-year-old Lucas Modise from Munsieville was the first pensioner to get his jab. Modise said he feared the virus and did not want to compromise. 
"I'm serious about protecting myself, I took flu vaccine and now I just had my COVID-19 vaccine. I want to protect myself. I would like to urge those who haven't taken their vaccine to do so. If they don't and chances are, they will fall ill, they mustn't blame anyone because they didn't use the opportunity government is providing them to safeguard their health," said Modise.