We must do everything to mitigate impact of third wave: Ramaphosa
African National Congress (ANC) Cyril Ramaphosa has described the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as the number one challenge facing the party in 2021.
Ramaphosa addressed members at the party's Northern Cape elective conference on Saturday.
"We've identified the coronavirus as a challenge and as an enemy that we must defeat," Ramaphosa said.
"Indications are that our country is entering the third wave as rising Covid-19 infections are just going up, and we must do everything in our power to mitigate this impact.
"We are once again going to have to remind South Africans to remain vigilant and protect themselves and each other.
"Every one of us has been touched by this disease - we all know someone who has been sick and many of us has lost loved ones to this horror.
"I want to reiterate that our ability to manage this phase of the pandemic will depend on the behaviour of our people, the speed at which we can vaccinate eligible citizens and the extent to which we contain further spread.”
Ramaphosa also addressed the so-called "wrinkles" in the vaccination rollout.
"There have been great stories of how those who are eligible, particularly the elderly, have been treated quickly, but there have also been stories where people had to wait far too long.
"We are going to get rid of these problems and make sure that there is quick service as we increase the vaccination process.
"Let us urge the elderly to register and upon receipt of their SMS's they should go for their vaccinations, and when we move to the next phase of the vaccination programme we must ensure that everyone gets vaccinated, because we are only all safe when everyone is safe.
"I think that's the message we must carry forward - if one is not safe, then no-one is safe."
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