Churches condemn mandatory vaccination

ESTER KAMATIWINDHOEKThe Association of Christian Churches in Namibia (ACCN) has condemned the mandatory vaccination after some companies publicly implied that unvaccinated employees could lose their jobs.Dolly Nengushe, the executive chairperson of the association, said the labour ministry ought to intervene as the government and companies continue to distance themselves from any adverse effects of the Covid-19 vaccines, which the government still describes as voluntary.Nengushe said she was aware of individuals who had lost their jobs after refusing to get vaccinated.She emphasised that the churches are more than willing to follow government directives but added that institutions should take accountability for any side-effects caused by forced vaccinations.Nengushe said the government’s position on mandatory vaccination introduced by companies was inconsistent and unclear.Violation of rights“Our local media over the past couple of days recorded a number of private companies that are in the process of putting stringent measures in place to enforce mandatory vaccinations.“This becomes very alarming for companies that are not experts in the medical field to force their employees to be vaccinated against their will.“It is very disheartening to see people losing their jobs and even being vaccinated against their will only to retain their jobs, especially during this difficult time of economic casualties.“Forced vaccination of employees while employers are indemnifying themselves from any liability is unethical and morally wrong.“The alliance appeals to the companies that are forcing their employees to get vaccinated to take full responsibility and even compensate them for any negative consequences brought by the vaccines.”Nengushe argued that forcing employees to get vaccinated is a violation of their constitutional rights and bodily integrity and they have the right to seek justice from the courts.The ACCN believes that the uptake of vaccination has to be based on personal convictions and preferences.Still voluntaryJustice minister Yvonne Dauseb emphasised at the last Covid-19 briefing that from the government’s perspective, vaccination is still a personal choice.“Members of staff at any institution where vaccinations are made mandatory should approach the ministry and enquire what steps should be taken because ordinarily the Labour Act has provisions for health and safety measures,” she said.“If members of staff or employees are unhappy about the conduct of the employer, they should approach the ministry of labour to investigate the circumstances and also provide guidance.“We have not forced anyone to get vaccinated,” she emphasised.Over the past few weeks, several companies have issued directives to employees, with some giving employees a deadline to get vaccinated or be denied access to the workplace.ester@myzone.com.na

Churches condemn mandatory vaccination

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Namibian Sun 2022-05-29

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Churches condemn mandatory vaccination

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Namibian Sun 2022-05-29

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