Department of Basic Education confirms that no learner will be forced to be vaccinated against COVID-19

7 May 2021  

The Department of Basic Education today in writing confirmed to AfriForum that no learner will be forced to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This follows after the civil rights organisation earlier this week in a letter to the Department requested clarity regarding the assertion the Department made in a media statement that parents and guardians of learners will be forced to register as part of the Department of Health’s planned vaccination programme. 

“AfriForum welcomes the Department’s reaction, seeing as we still maintain the point of view that it is every person’s choice if he/she or his/her children wants to receive the vaccine. We will continue to fulfil our role as civil rights watchdog by ensuring that the government will in no way attempt to enforce compelled vaccination,” says Natasha Venter, Manager for Education Rights at AfriForum.      

Issued by Chanté Kelder, Media Relations Officer, AfriForum, 7 May 2021