Gold miner Gold Fields’ South Deep mine has received permission from the Department of Health to provide on-site vaccinations to all employees and contractors who wish to be vaccinated during the week of July 26 to 31.
The vaccination of the workforce is currently under way in line with the necessary medical and administrative protocols, the miner said in a statement on July 29, adding that the vaccines are the first of a two-dose regime, with the second dose planned to be administered in the prescribed time period.
“We have undertaken extensive education and communication efforts over the past months and are confident that a significant number of eligible employees and contractors will avail themselves of this opportunity,” said South Deep occupational medical practitioner Dr Khutso Setati.
He added that the mine was not in a position to start vaccinating employees’ family members or members of the surrounding community.
“Getting vaccinated can mean the difference between life and death. We call on all South Deep employees to be courageous leaders for their families, their communities, our mine and our country by doing the right thing and getting vaccinated,” Setati said.
South Deep has, so far, already vaccinated 1 628 of its people, representing just over 38% of the workforce.