Government condemns pressure on Sahpra as 'disappointing and reprehensible'

Government has responded to the pressure being put on the  South African Health Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) to approve more vaccines for use in the country, asking that the organisation be allowed to do its work. 

On Friday, thousands of EFF members marched to Sahpra's offices, demanding the approval of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine and the Sinovac jab from China.

 The EFF also called for the resignation of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) chairperson Helen Rees.

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The acting Minister of Health, Mmamoloko Kubayi said in a statement on Friday evening that attacks directed at the leadership of the institution are "disappointing and reprehensible."

"Our country’s regulatory system should not be forced to bow down to any amount of political pressure, particularly, to authorise the use of vaccines at a whim without due process being followed," said Kubayi. 

"This is dangerous and should not be condoned in democratic South Africa."

 She said the targeting of Sahpra by political parties is unfortunate and threatens the mandate and authority of the regulatory authority and experts tasked with ensuring the safety of newly developed health products for the wellbeing of all.

"The regulator has consistently outlined to the public processes that need to be followed before the registration and approval of any vaccines to be used as part of government's efforts in the fight against Covid-19," said Kubayi. 

"This cannot be done in the absence of any clear information about the efficacy of products that have not undergone rigorous testing by the regulator," she noted.