Sunday Independent | Four leading experts says that employees who refuse to take Covid-19 vaccination are perfectly within their freedom of choice, and employers have no right to take any disciplinary measures against them. Vaccine Coronavirus
Their concerns were raised after the Department of Basic Education this week threatened to invoke operational requirements and incapacity clauses of the Labour Relations Act against teachers who elect not to be vaccinated.
The DBE’s controversial circular come hardly a week after President Ramaphosa’s assurance to the public. Russon also stressed that “everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected. It is uncertain how far the department of education is willing to push for vaccination without interfering with the dignity of the individual”.
Medical scientist at the University of Pretoria Professor Tivani Mashamba-Thompson said people who refuse to take vaccines are covered by the existing human rights laws. Her sentiments were echoed by Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa, vice-chairperson for SA Medical Association , who emphasised President Ramaphosa’s words that vaccination was not compulsory and warned that the vaccine does not protect against infection and transmission.
“Remember, those that are vaccinated can still get the infection and may still have symptoms. If they get easily transmissible variants like Delta, there is a higher chance of transmitting it to others. That’s why non-pharmaceutical interventions are still highly recommended even if you have been vaccinated.”
Mhlanga added that the circular also serves as a guide to managing vulnerable employees in the context of the current pandemic. But teachers who spoke to The Sunday Independent this week alleged that the DBE was forcing them to take vaccines and this was downplayed after the media reports this week.
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