Ramaphosa Responds to SONA Debate

By: Lindelani Mbatha & Zilungile Mkhize

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government, despite opposing views, has led and protected its citizens since the COVID 19 pandemic.

Ramaphosa is delivering his reply to members of parliament following a debate on his State of the Nation Address.

A key issue in the debate was government’s handling of the Coronavirus and the procurement of vaccines.

Parties slammed the vaccine plan, with the EFF saying South Africa should collaborate with countries like Cuba and Russia … to produce its own vaccine, instead of relying on Western pharmaceutical companies.

The President says families were saved from destitution and hunger, while businesses were also saved from closure.

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Ramaphosa adds that the majority of healthcare workers have registered to be vaccinated and are keen to receive the jab on the arm.

He says healthcare workers should be commended for their hard work in hospitals and other facilities in the country looking after the sick while putting their own lives at risk.

On South Africa producing its own vaccine, Ramaphosa says he has directed Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande to put together a team of scientists to begin the process of developing the South African COVID 19 vaccines.

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