Vaccines are safe, effective – ‘Madze’

EMAFINI - The Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga has assured the nation that it is safe to vaccinate.

The minister was speaking during the Jovel’ Industry Vaccination Campaign launch which was held at Business Eswatini Headquarters at Emafini yesterday.

Bulunga said the launch was a clear and heartwarming sign that the nation was all intent on working together to accelerate plans of returning to entertainment and sporting activities. He said vaccination was the only tool which he deemed as the safest manner. “As we launch this campaign, I wish to encourage all sport and entertainment industry players and lovers to give an ear to the experts; the same experts who have dedicated their lives to science and have worked tirelessly to ensure that these vaccines are safe for all of us,” Bulunga said.

“As Hon. Lizzie Nkosi said last week (I quote), “COVID-19 vaccines were developed using science that has been around for decades, they are not experimental. They went through all the required stages of clinical trials and extensive testing. These vaccines are safe and effective.”

He highlighted that vaccination has brought back normalcy to the English Premiership. “Many of you here and beyond are big followers of the English Premier League and would have seen how supporters are once again filling stadiums to the brim, be it at Old Trafford or Anfield,” he noted.

Drought

He said it has been over 18 months since the nation last witnessed the thrill and razzmatazz of a packed Somhlolo National Stadium or the colour of a fully blown music festival. “Ending that long drought is now in our hands as entertainment and sports sectors. I, therefore, call upon each one of us here and beyond to make the right decision. Vaccinating will not only protect us and our loved ones or ensure that we can have fun again, but it will further ensure that the thousands of emaSwati who make a living through arts and sport can have guaranteed income yet again,” he said.

He said an increased vaccination uptake would go further to fast-track the return of other informal sport, including regional leagues and social sport, all which have been on pause and yet they were a great source of recreation and entertainment in both rural and urban settings.

He said his ministry will approach the Ministry of Health to consider easing restrictions on sports and the arts before that request could be taken to Cabinet. “However, as Minister Nkosi has said before, right now we are far off the required target. We should reiterate that every decision on COVID-19 measures will continue to be based on health advice. We remain confident that if the huge majority of us get vaccinated, we will have a strong case to present to the Ministry of Health and indeed Cabinet. I, therefore, encourage all young people across the country, all sport and entertainment lovers, to do the right thing and take the COVID-19 vaccine,” he added.

Minister Nkosi also echoed Bulunga noting that the industry solely relied heavily on fans.