Companies are trying to convince South Africans to get vaccinated by offering incentives. Picture: iStock
While there is talk about making vaccines mandatory in South Africa, some companies are taking a softer approach by offering rewards to those who get the jab.
The idea is to convince South Africans to get vaccinated by using incentives rather than denying them services or access to events.
The Gautrain became one of the latest firms to rewards its customers who have been vaccinated. It is offering Shoprite and Checkers shopping vouchers to commuters who present their vaccination cards.
The government has also said it is considering introducing “soft incentives” to increase the vaccination rate in the country. Health Minister Joe Phaahla said they were looking at offering free entertainment, as well as entry to sports matches and cultural events to people who are vaccinated.
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Although this concept is relatively new in South Africa, vaccine incentives are becoming a trend around the world.
To try speed up vaccinations, Russia is giving away cars in a prize draw for citizens who get the Covid-19 shot.
In the United States, President Joe Biden’s government is offering $100 (R1400) to those who get vaccinated. It is also reimbursing some businesses for offering their employees paid leave to get their family members vaccinated. Some states even have lottery prizes of up to $5 million (R71 million) for those who get vaccinated.
In the United Kingdom, supermarket Asda and bus service National Express have offered rewards to people getting vaccinated. Uber, Bolt and Deliveroo have offered discounted rides and meals for customers who get the jab.
The retailer is offering 10% discounts on all purchases up to R10,000 on Wednesdays if you produce a vaccination card for your first or second jab.
The medical aid scheme has plans to offer its vaccinated members 2,500 Vitality points.
The life insurer is offering up to 100% in premium payback accumulation at the first anniversary of the policy. The policyholder, however, must have a comprehensive life cover plan and the offer is only valid between 29 July 2021 and 15 December 2021.
Commuters will be offered Shoprite and Checkers vouchers, between R50 and R250, when purchasing weekly or monthly train tickets.
The provincial government in the Western Cape is giving those with vaccination cards free entry to 17 museums in the province.
The e-hailing ride service says it will provide customers with two free rides to and from a vaccination site. Each free ride will be worth R100.
The burger outlet is giving free filter coffees to customers who have been vaccinated within 48 hours.
The tourism business is offering 40% off the rack rate for fully vaccinated guests at self-catering apartments and villas.
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