South Africa has launched its digital COVID-19 vaccine certificates

The first phase of South Africa's digital COVID-19 vaccine certificate has been launched.

Health Minister Joe Phaahla along with his deputy, Sibongiseni Dhlomo, gave an update on government's management of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the country’s coronavirus immunisation programme.

The health minister said that the certificate was developed in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

“It is a first phase because it is ready for use, but there's going to be a lot more improvements going forward in the next two months to improve, especially on the safety and security of the certificate but it is ready for use,” said the Health Minister.

"Amongst others, we expect the sports and recreation to open up more for vaccinated people, shops to provide discounts and others to give prizes. I've already seen one of the banks advertising some prizes for people when they get vaccinated," he said.

Minister Phaahla added that the certificates would allow for entry to events in the future.

The department's EVDS project manager, Milani Wolmarans, said that government would announce when updated versions of the COVID-19 vaccine certificate became available.

Government will resend confirmation codes sent out to those vaccinated over the next four days however, if you are unable to wait that long you can call the national coronavirus hotline on 0800 029 999.

South African vaccine certificates can be generated by visiting: https://vaccine.certificate.health.gov.za/

 

By Danielle Mentoor