Question NW2340 to the Minister of Health
18 November 2021 - NW2340
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
Whether, with regard to the recent roll-out of the electronic proof of vaccination for COVID-19 in the Republic, except for international travel purposes, the Government (a) intends to use the electronic proof of vaccination and/or any other proof thereof, to regulate who accesses services and facilities in the public sector and (b) will allow the private sector to regulate access to goods and services and employment, among others, using the proof of vaccination; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, for what purposes and/or ends will the electronic proof of vaccination be deployed in the Republic?
Reply:
a) The Digital Vaccination Certificate is a digital version of the paper vaccination card that can be verified by a third party through the scanning of the QR code to establish the validity of the Vaccination Certificate. Government does not intend to use proof of vaccination to regulate access to public sector services and facilities.
b) Within the borders of South Africa, the primary use of the vaccine certificate could be used for third parties to allow vaccinated people to access certain rewards or incentives. This may include access to events such as sports, entertainment, and religious events, or to benefit from discounts or other rewards (such as entry into a lucky draw) offered by retailers or other private businesses.
The Department of Labour and Employment is responsible for regulating workplaces. Government's current position is that employees should be encouraged to vaccinate. However, employers may require employees performing certain functions, where not being vaccinated poses a risk to the employee, other employees, or members of the public, to be vaccinated. All existing legislation and regulations must be followed in dealing with situations where employees chose not to be vaccinated.
END.