​Qaqambile Mdledle
South Africans will from Friday, have the opportunity to get the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge and without appointments at public, private and pop-up vaccination sites.
Themed the Vooma Vaccination Weekend, the national mass vaccination drive is an inclusive campaign supported by all social partners, including faith-based formations, traditional leaders, organised labour and business.
The target is to vaccinate 500 000 people. 
"Vooma Vaccination Weekends aims to mobilise citizens and people living in South Africa to get vaccinated as a means to fight the COVID-19 pandemic," the Presidency said in a statement on Thursday.
Government has called on South Africans to seize Vooma Vaccination Weekend as an opportunity to ensure the country pushes back COVID-19 and achieves greater safety for all.
 The more people get vaccinated, the sooner the country will relax the current Adjusted Alert Level 2 restrictions. 
This will inevitably result in the full opening of the economy to be able to grow and create much-needed jobs.
"Vaccines are safe and easy to receive. They protect people against serious illness, hospitalisation and death. And when the majority of people in the country are vaccinated, the nation will experience a greater sense of freedom and safety in social interactions and economic activity."
Vaccination is free to everyone living in South Africa and available at government health facilities or private pharmacies that offer vaccinations, with or without medical aid. 
South Africans over 18 can now get vaccinated without waiting for an SMS to confirm a date or site. ​