18 Aug 2021

Parliament has heard that about 35.8 per cent of teachers are currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.

That was said by Minister of Ministry of Basic Education, Mr Fidelis Molao.

Parliament heard that when schools closed on July 16, a total of 3 003 teachers were eligible for vaccination because they were of 55 years or above, out of which 941 had only received their first dose while 1 850 were fully vaccinated.

It also heard that the vaccination of phase II category started on July 22 and an additional 9 793 teachers over 45 years became eligible for vaccination.

“My ministry has encouraged school staff to get vaccinated during the school holidays where they fall within the eligible age category.

It has increased funding for the supply of cleaning materials and has initiated a comprehensive assessment of all of our schools with regard to their readiness to reopen in accordance to the COVID-19 protocols,” he said.

He indicated that on June 4, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi declared in his teachers’ day speech, that teachers and other frontline workers would be vaccinated as a priority.

“This continues to be the position taken by government as the vaccination plan is rolled out,” he added.

On the other hand, he said the ministry was however aware that there was shortage of vaccines in some areas hence not all eligible teachers were vaccinated in the category 45 to 54 years old.

He said the Ministry of Health and Wellness had reported that 2 676 teachers have been vaccinated since schools closed.

As of August 12, he said, about 5 498 teachers have had their first vaccination and 2 707 were now fully vaccinated.

“The numbers of teachers vaccinated is increasing daily as more vaccines become available and more teachers take up the opportunity.

My ministry estimates that 5 498 teachers or 15.6 per cent out of the eligible 35 071 teachers have had at least one vaccination countrywide,” he said.

The minister further told Parliament that the basic education ministry was working with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to expedite vaccination of teachers.

“In view that more vaccines have now arrived in the country all teachers should be able to get a least their first vaccination prior to the reopening of schools.

Whilst I may not be happy with the pace at which teachers and support staff are being vaccinated, I am grateful that more vaccines are arriving and the vaccination of teachers can now be expedited,” he said.

Member of Parliament for Maun West, Mr Dumelang Saleshando, had asked the minister to state the interventions put in place since  schools were closed to avoid heightened transmission of the COVID-19 virus in schools.

Mr Saleshando also wanted to know the number of teachers vaccinated at the time the schools were closed and the target percentage of teachers to be vaccinated before schools reopened, among others.

The legislator also asked the minister if he was satisfied that the pace of vaccination of teachers reflected their status as part of the frontline workers with a higher risk for infection in their line of duty. ENDS