AG praises mandatory vaccination drive
Attorney-General Festus Mbandeka has sprung to the defence of companies that have adopted compulsory Covid-19 vaccinations, adding that current resistance may force government to follow suit.
JEMIMA BEUKES
WINDHOEK
Government has reiterated its stance that Covid-19 vaccinations should continue on a voluntary basis, however, companies compelling their staff to take the jab have taken a step into the right direction, Attorney-General Festus Mbandeka has said.
He explained that based on scientific findings and recommendations, vaccination is the best measure to combat and suppress the spread of Covid-19, therefore it is important to intensify all measures to get people vaccinated to reach herd immunity.
He added that government has been engaged in public education and information campaigns and is currently looking at all available options - including mandatory vaccination - to accelerate the process.
“Should everything fail, government will have to consider other effective but legal ways to increase the uptake.
“With regard to initiatives by some state-owned enterprises and private companies to compel their employees to be vaccinated, this is a step in the right direction. It is important that such initiatives are done within the confines of law and that there is proper consultation/dialogue between parties and, further, that there are necessary options as well exemptions under certain circumstances to facilitate the process,” Mbandeka said.
Stand-off
His remarks come amid a stand-off between government entities, labour unions and lawyers who are objecting to the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia’s (Namcor) demand this week that staff members take the jab or work from home to avoid physical interactions to decrease the chance of infection.
President Hage Geingob also added to this confusion when he said “it would be good for Namibians to start moving around with their vaccination passports”, and this has added fuel to the outcry over forced vaccinations.
However, labour minister Utoni Nujoma said Geingob’s remarks came from a place of concern and foresight about what the future might hold.
“Should the situation develop which threatens the survival of the nation, an assessment will need to be made and the president will inform the nation of new measures as has been done from time to time,” Nujoma said.
[email protected]
WINDHOEK
Government has reiterated its stance that Covid-19 vaccinations should continue on a voluntary basis, however, companies compelling their staff to take the jab have taken a step into the right direction, Attorney-General Festus Mbandeka has said.
He explained that based on scientific findings and recommendations, vaccination is the best measure to combat and suppress the spread of Covid-19, therefore it is important to intensify all measures to get people vaccinated to reach herd immunity.
He added that government has been engaged in public education and information campaigns and is currently looking at all available options - including mandatory vaccination - to accelerate the process.
“Should everything fail, government will have to consider other effective but legal ways to increase the uptake.
“With regard to initiatives by some state-owned enterprises and private companies to compel their employees to be vaccinated, this is a step in the right direction. It is important that such initiatives are done within the confines of law and that there is proper consultation/dialogue between parties and, further, that there are necessary options as well exemptions under certain circumstances to facilitate the process,” Mbandeka said.
Stand-off
His remarks come amid a stand-off between government entities, labour unions and lawyers who are objecting to the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia’s (Namcor) demand this week that staff members take the jab or work from home to avoid physical interactions to decrease the chance of infection.
President Hage Geingob also added to this confusion when he said “it would be good for Namibians to start moving around with their vaccination passports”, and this has added fuel to the outcry over forced vaccinations.
However, labour minister Utoni Nujoma said Geingob’s remarks came from a place of concern and foresight about what the future might hold.
“Should the situation develop which threatens the survival of the nation, an assessment will need to be made and the president will inform the nation of new measures as has been done from time to time,” Nujoma said.
[email protected]
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