Call for ‘passport’ protests

GROWING opposition to a “vaccine passport” has erupted on social media, with many South Africans calling it a violation of civil liberties.

The strong stance online against these “vaccine passports” has now evolved into a call for protests across the country this Saturday.

A tweet with posters for the protests in the different cities was published by Lonwabo Mfundisi on Twitter on Sunday night, shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the movement of the country to lockdown level 2.

It read: “It’s time to rise the #VaccinePassport are here. Let’s put down the keyboard and be at these venues. Vaxx or not vaxxed your freedoms are being taken slowly. Retweet.”

A vaccine passport is a certification of either vaccination status or immunity following a natural infection that confirms you no longer pose a risk to others.

Advocate Vuyani Ngalwana said the vaccine passport was “BS” and “opaque political speak”.

“I will not be forced to carry a pass in SA in the 21st century. NO,” he posted.

While many supported the stance, some brushed off the call for protests as just another Twitter rant.

Twitter poster Ernie @Mohlakeng3 called on the SAPS to investigate.

“There we go again, @SAPoliceService we are tired with loot instigators hiding behind rallies. Please investigate this guys. Rona re batla ho lo berekela future of our kids and they busy disturbing the peace. Tsek.”

Last Friday, Health Minister Joe Phaahla said South Africans who were vaccinated against Covid-19 would probably be issued with digital vaccination certificates in about a week.