KZN Health MEC Ms Nomagugu Simelane has teamed up with her counterpart from the Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation Ms Hlengiwe Mavimbela to launch the "Let's Play Sigomile: Sporting With The Legends" vaccination programme, at Sibongile Township in Dundee.

The programme is taking place amid much fanfare, and has featured door-to-door visits in the local community, as well as a well-attended football match between the provincial legends and an Umzinyathi District side.

Its aim is to use public influence of KZN’s football legends to encourage the citizens of this Province to vaccinate.

Among the players who are participating are Brilliant Khuzwayo, Siyabonga “Nsimbi” Sangweni, Phumlani Mkhize, Bryce Moon, Japhet Zwane, Mbulelo “Old John” Mabizela, and Ntokozo Sikhakhane, to mention but a few.

Remarking about the significance of this programme, MEC Simelane says: “One of the biggest challenges that we are confronting is the reluctance of people to get vaccinated. As we continue with our efforts to encourage our fellow compatriots protect themselves against this virus through vaccination, we have decided to team up with our football legends.

We acknowledge that these legends carry many special memories for many people. They hold a very dear place in people’s hearts. By merely mentioning their names, people get taken down memory lane, and are then bound to listen and take note of what we are saying. We believe that if this massive social capital is harnessed properly, it can cause people to act on the messages that we have been spreading about COVID - 19 vaccination.”

MEC Mavimbela said the partnership with the Department of Health is critical in driving the vaccination message across the province.

"The Department of Sport and Recreation runs a number of programmes with our sports legends, especially in unearthing and developing talent. They have vast knowledge and influence. We are excited that they are part of this programme to encourage people to vaccinate. For people participating in sports, including players and supporters, it is important to vaccinate so that life can quickly return to normality and we will be able to return to the stadiums."

Since May 2021, the Province of KZN has so far managed to vaccinate 2.9 million people, with 4.3 million still yet to be vaccinated. A further 351 000 still need to come back for their second dose.

The 12 – 17 age group has seen very low vaccination numbers, at just 10%. Among the 18 – 34 age group, just 26% have been vaccinated, while within the 35 – 49 age group, 45% have received the jab. From the 50 – 59 age group, 58% have been vaccinated; while in the 60 years and above category, we have vaccinated 66%.

The Let's Play Sigomile: Sporting With The Legends vaccination programme will be taken to other parts of the province.