1/5 We are intently focused on ramping up the speed of our mass vaccination programme, as well as its reach into rural areas, by rapidly opening more sites across the province. #LetsDoThis
2/5 We have set ambitious targets in this regard, and are aiming to move from vaccinating over 6000 residents per day this week, to 12 000 per day next week, to 24 000 per day the week thereafter. #LetsDoThis
3/5 We are pleased to report that we are due another shipment of Pfizer doses tomorrow, as well as two further shipments in the early weeks of June, all of which will enable us to move quickly to vaccinate more residents. #LetsDoThis
4/5 We are also working actively to open more sites across the province so that residents are able to be vaccinated as close to home as possible. #LetsDoThis
5/5 This week, we are aiming to open 33 additional sites, 6 of which are in rural areas. Next week, we aim to open another 49 sites, 36 of which are in rural areas. We are aiming to open a further 17 sites the week thereafter. #LetsDoThis
Neither the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, nor the Premier’s Office, was in any way involved with the event hosted by the provincial legislature, and distance themselves from the purported views expressed by the invited speaker.
The international scientific evidence clearly shows that Covid-19 vaccines are the best tools to manage the virus and have saved and continue to save lives.
Vaccines will continue to be offered to residents and remain an integral part of the Western Cape Government's fight against the Coronavirus.
I am deeply concerned by the call for a nationwide shutdown by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) planned for next Monday, 20 March.
Threats of violence, looting of businesses, intimidation, and disruption of services are totally unacceptable.
The EFF has the constitutional right to protest, but it is intolerable for them to threaten the constitutional rights of other citizens, especially where essential services such as individual safety, healthcare, and education are concerned.
As misguided as it is, this protest should only proceed within the law.
Videos of EFF members and Party leader Julius Malema circulating on social media are tantamount to threats of unrest and incitement of violence. I will not stand for this.
1/4 It was wonderful to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Chapman’s Peak Drive with @mec_mitchell today #Chappies 🌄
2/4 Chappies has consistently been ranked among the most scenic drives in the world. It plays a significant role in connecting tourists, cyclists, commuters, & businesses between Hout Bay & Noordhoek, & demonstrates how infrastructure can enable growth.
3/4 As the @WesternCapeGov moves ahead with our own infrastructure projects today, we must ask ourselves: will they still be benefiting our residents 100 years from now – just as Chappies has done?
1/5 🚨 The WC could lose funding equivalent to 1615 doctors or 5981 nurses, and over approximately 9300 teachers if only 70% of residents get counted in the 2022 Census. This would severely undermine the quality of health care and education services that we provide.
2/5 In money terms, we stand to lose R9.7 billion, or over 16% of our provincial equitable share, if only 70% of residents get counted. This would shave R2.6 billion in funding off our health budget & R4.2 billion off our education budget.
3/5 In fact, as of 8 am this morning, with just 9 days to go until the count closes, Statistics South Africa #StatsSA is not even within sight of a 70% count. They have counted just 61% of residents to date.
1/4 I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude to @DebbieSchafer for her excellent service to the people of the WC, especially our province’s children. Debbie will be leaving us to take up a position in the legal sector in the UK, joining some of her family who live there.
2/4 Anyone who knows Debbie knows that she is a strong and tenacious leader, who fights hard each and every day to ensure a well-run, quality focused education system in the Western Cape. Read full joint statement here: bit.ly/3vFADIS
3/4 We will miss her sharp attention to detail and steadfast commitment to the values we share, and I thank her for the important role she played in our Cabinet. I am confident that she will be a great success in her new endeavour.
1/4 I visited Langa yesterday following the devastating fires which destroyed 260 dwellings in the fire over the long weekend. I was also joined by the Provincial Minister of Human Settlements, @tertuis23, and the Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Pamela Tshwete.
2/4 While in Langa, I expressed my heartfelt sympathies to those affected by the fire. Again, no family should have to suffer such an unimaginable loss, particularly over a period marked by joy and togetherness.
3/4 When visiting yesterday, it was deeply upsetting to see the toll taken on this community but, also encouraging to see the significant measures in place to support those in their time of need.