The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Nursing in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Community Police Forum (CPF), and the South African Ministers Fraternal (SAMIFRA), hosted a campaign from 9 to 11 February to educate the community of Extension 39 in Mahikeng on Covid-19 and vaccines.    

This was necessary after the Department of Health indicated that this sub-district has a high rate of reported Covid-19 cases.  

Boitumelo Molato from the School of Nursing says the purpose of the campaign was to educate the community about the purpose and importance of the Covid-19 vaccine, explaining key Covid-19 concepts such as close contact, quarantine, and isolation, precautionary measures, and to dispel any myths and incorrect information.  

“Our third-year nursing students were actively involved in the campaign,” says Boitumelo.

“They were responsible for thermal Covid-19 screening of community members. They also educated them on the importance of the Covid-19 vaccine and all Covid-19 related information.”

Boitumelo says the SAPS members were helpful in making sure that all Covid-19 regulations were adhered to, while CPF members patrolled the streets. Religious leaders representing SAMIFRA provided counselling for community members who were psychologically and emotionally traumatised.

 NWU Nursing students and members of the South African Police Service, the Community Police Forum and the South African Ministers Fraternal participated in a campaign in Ext 39, Mahikeng to create awareness regarding Covid-19 and vaccines.