South Africa's self-registration vaccination portal for citizens aged 60 and above commenced in mid-April. So far, the process of registration for the group has been very low due to variety of reasons.

The North-West University (NWU) UNICEF student chapter volunteers on the Mahikeng Campus, in partnership with the Department of Health, the Department of Social Development, and Boxer Superstores recently conducted a five-day outreach programme aimed at assisting the elderly to register for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The initiative took place from 3 to 4 June 2021 and again from 10 to 12 June 2021 at the two Boxer Stores in Mahikeng. Chapter member Oscar Mosenogi points out that most people older than 60 years collect their monthly SASSA grants at the Boxer Superstores.

“We knew that there would be an opportunity to help register people for vaccination while they waited for their grants.”

Oscar says it is however an ongoing process. “We will continue our registration activities during July, using the same dates we used during June. This will continue until the end of the year.”

Dr Sibusiso Chalufu, the executive director for Student Life, expressed his appreciation for the student volunteers’ community outreach project which was also supported by Student Life. “It is heart-warming to see our students involved in such great causes,” he says.

“The fact that this happened during Youth Month is a great testament to the leadership role of our students (the youth) in not only supporting and being part of community initiatives, but also in exhibiting the ethic of care, for which NWU is renowned.

“This is in line with our mission of ensuring the holistic development of students to become global citizens and leaders in the service of humanity.”

 A member of the NWU UNICEF student chapter is assisting a lady to register for vaccination.