15 December 2021
Jayden Scheepers, Mark Cupido and Michael Khoosal of the Original Bboy Foundation performed during the Zwakala vaccination event in Mitchells Plain on Tuesday.
Breakdancers, musicians and a graffiti artist made the Westridge Civic Centre in Mitchells Plain come alive on Tuesday to promote vaccination against Covid. The event, organised by Community Media Trust, was part of the Zwakala “join us” campaign.
The campaign involves young “Champs” who encourage others to be vaccinated before the holidays.
“Young people relate more when a message comes from another young person,” said Ayanda Soboyisi, communications co-ordinator at Community Media Trust.
The event was hosted by UNICEF, Lentegeur Hospital and Clicks. By the end of the day, more than 120 people had been vaccinated. “Young people want to be entertained,” said Soboyisi. She said that bringing vaccinations to the people is important as many don’t like to go to clinics. CJ Jacobs, 18, said he had been nervous about the vaccination but the entertainment had helped him to calm down.
Eighteen-year-old musician Quanne Wade Christopher from Somerset West is one of the Zwakala “Champs’” He wrote a song with lyrics which include the campaign slogan of #StiekUitVaccinate - “It’s about youngsters getting their jabs as soon as possible,” he said.
Resident David Hill got his first J&J vaccine with his two children at the event. “I had Covid three times already. You can’t get vaccinated when you’re sick.” Hill said that bringing vaccinations closer to people is a great idea. “If you come to the people, there will be a better chance of them vaccinating.” Immediately after getting his jab Hill said, “I feel better already”.
The slogan #StiekUitVaccinate was painted on a mural by graffiti artist Rizah Potgieter (Prefix66). He said he wanted his artwork to “spread the message of vaccination” and awareness about coronavirus.