Millenials and Gen-Z citizens step up to the plate in Houghton
HOUGHTON – The Masjid #VacciNation station went all out to welcome young adults (18 to 35 years) to its facility on August 20.
Residents aged 18 to 35 were given the official go-ahead from government to receive vaccinations for Covid-19 from August 20.
As part of their commitment to the surrounding community, the Masjid #VacciNation drive-thru site opened to residents in this age group for the first time on this date.
“The #VacciNation facility provides a blueprint of how successful Covid-19 vaccinations should be implemented,” humanitarian and youth role model Catherine Constantindes told the Gazette.
Speaking on behalf of the facility, Yaseen Theba, chairman of Muslim Association of South Africa, explained there were both drive-thru and walk-in options for residents, as well as facilitators on site to help with registration for those without access to the relevant online registration facilities.
“The facility is run by volunteers who give of their time and professional expertise as they believe in the worthy cause,” he said. He gave the example of Ibrahim Seedat who is 90 years old, who was onsite at least two hours a day, encouraging residents, helping to calm jab fears and offering his services.
There is also a 10-minute standby station once vaccines have been administered, to check on those who have been vaccinated and ensure no allergic reactions or ill side effects were experienced.
“This is really a community project,” said Theba. “It shows what can be achieved if we work together towards an answer for the pandemic.”
The car queue for the drive-thru facility stretched four blocks down, out the gate and into the distance, however, Theba said the facility allowed for a well-oiled, professional vaccination process.
Officials of the Premier’s Office, Department of Health, Muslim Association of South Africa and Houghton Masjid were present on the day to welcome visitors.
“What is visible here is how a partnership between government and the community is possible towards combatting the pandemic,” said Zain Bulbulia of the Office of the Premier, Gauteng. He said just more than 1 000 residents came through the facility each day.
Details:
Masjid #VacciNation, 45 West Street, Houghton.
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