​Lerato Mailoane
About 3 456 487 vaccines have been administered in Gauteng thus far and the provincial government continues to mobilise eligible people to take the jab.
The province needs to vaccinate10 million people by mid-December 2021 to accelerate economic activity. 
On Friday, the government's outreach vaccination programme- which targeted the elderly social grant recipients and the taxi industry- was at Maponya Mall in Soweto. 
The visit was led by Gauteng Premier, David Makhura accompanied by Health Minister, Joe Phaahla, MEC for Roads and Transport, Jacob Mamabolo and MEC for Health.
Addressing tens of thousands of people lined up outside banks at the mall, Health Minister highlighted that the government strategy was to encourage the public to take the jab and alienate fears and misinformation around the vaccines.
"We care about keeping you healthy. Our priority is to mobilise and convince the public to come forward voluntarily and take the vaccine, that's the main thrust of our strategy of meeting people where they are," said Phaahla.
Premier David Makhura most of the elderly have taken both doses of the vaccine, however, there are a few who had concerns about the safety, side effects and those who died after taking the vaccine and we tell them the same message that the vaccine is safe.
"We are all coming across a lot of anti-vaxxers, after discussing with them we have urged them to get vaccinated because there is no replacement to talking to people directly as we give them both sides of the story and give them more information on the benefits of vaccinating," said Makhura.
The province will continue targeting the hesitant youth to demystify myths.
"Youth live with the elderly and it is important for them to vaccinate because by not vaccinating today you have a chance of becoming a victim of the virus, ending up losing your life or your parents," Makhura added.
MEC for Health, Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi said while the provincial government still needs to move with speed to vaccinate as many people as possible ahead of the anticipated fourth wave of COVID-19.