Deputy President David
Mabuza visited the Biovac manufacturing Facility in Pinelands in Cape Town on
Thursday.
The visit follows a similar visit to the institute in Gauteng. Mabuza
was accompanied by Higher Education and Science and Technology minister, Blade Nzimande,
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, and CEO of
BioVac, Dr. Morena Makhoana.
The purpose of the
visit is to provide the Deputy President who is the Chairperson of the
Inter-Ministerial Committee on Covid-19 Vaccines, an opportunity to witness the
country’s scientific capabilities, biotechnology infrastructure and the
investments made to support vaccine manufacturing and development efforts.
BioVac performs product
development, formulation and filling of vaccines, packaging, labelling as well
as cold chain and distribution.
‘’This is the only facility of
its kind in the African continent. It started in 2003, just with packaging, but
it has been moved up the value chain 9filling and finishing). Plan is to move
higher the value chain, to be able to produce invest, initially our own
research, and manufacturing our own vaccine. Not just for COVID-19, but other
diseases/illnesses as well.’’ Says Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande
Mabuza said that R10
billion has been dedicated to purchase Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer. As for
the AstraZeneca vaccine, the plan is to send it to other countries in Africa
that is able to use it.
‘’We are purchasing from Johnson
& Johnson, Phizer. Those are the two we entered an agreement with. The
AstraZeneca vaccine, we are discussing with the African union (AU). Other
African continents are using this vaccine, and soon South Africa will be one of
those countries.’’
So far over 168,000
healthcare workers have been inoculated so far, as of 17 March 2021. The aim is
to have 1 million healthcare workers vaccinated by the end of March. However,
Mabuza admits that they will not meet the deadline.
‘’Innoculation is
continuing, though not at a very good space. In the next few weeks, we are
expecting more vaccines – by the end of March. We would’ve reached the 1
million mark of inoculation, but it doesn’t look like it. We predict the
million mark will be reached by the first or second week of April.’’ Says
Deputy President David Mabuza.
Minister of International
Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor says she is thrilled that their plans
with BioVac is finally coming in to play and that they’re working with an
international partner.
PHOTO: Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister, Blade Nzimande, CEO of BioVac, Dr. Morena Makhoana.
Done By: Mitchum George
& Danielle Mentoor