We saw a sudden unannounced family meting take place Thursday evening 30 September, from the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.

Many had to miss the family meeting due to not having knowledge of it being broadcast, instead had to miss out from receiving information relating to the covid-19 update. Usually when the president will address the nation, people are notified days before. But this time around things were different and that’s where the first “Why?” question, came into people’s minds.

As of midnight, South Africa moved from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1 of over 400 days of Covid-19 with uplifted restrictions. Number of people allowed in certain places went higher by 50% and over for most, the curfew was moved from 23:00 to 00:00 – 04:00 giving restaurants and taverns time now close an hour later than usual. However even though such news proud hope and excitement, it was what he said after that made people wonder where they stand.

A month before during the President’s address, he emphasised that it is not mandatory to get vaccinated but he also expressed the significance of undergoing vaccination. He announced as of 01 October, Vooma Vaccination rollout will be active and as of every weekend, residents can go for a free jab at their suited vaccination sites.

Ramaphosa said certain places will require one to provide proof of vaccination and it will be mandatory to do so. This brought spikes and thunder of rage to some, as to where they stand, is it now mandatory to get vaccinated, are they forced to take the jab.

Ramaphosa said the government will issue certificates and closed the meeting, that statement kept South Africans debating all day. The Democratic Alliance DA, has expressed where they are with the decision, they explained they are against the president making certification mandatory or even trying to make taking a jab compulsory.