SA’s Constitutional Court is set to be one of the critical decision-makers when it comes to introducing mandatory vaccines in South Africa, with several groups announcing plans to approach the country’s apex court for clarity.
The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) said that it will embark on a mass campaign to encourage workers to get vaccinated but that it opposes the introduction of mandatory vaccines at workplaces and other sites.
During a briefing on Monday, Saftu said it opposed mandatory vaccines and that it will be approaching the Constitutional Court for clarity on the matter.
“Employers are using the policy guidelines issued by the Department of Labour and Employment to divide workers,” it said.
“The Central Committee asked the national office bearers to raise funds or find lawyers who can help to get the Constitutional Court to make a declaratory order, about whether mandatory vaccines are not a violation of the rights provided by the constitution.”
Saftu believes that mandatory workplace vaccination infringes section 12(2). The section states that everyone has the right to bodily and psychological integrity, which includes the right:
- To make decisions concerning reproduction;
- To security in and control over their body;
- Not to be subjected to medical or scientific experiments without their informed consent.
Partners at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) are also expected to approach the Constitutional Court for clarity concerning vaccine mandates in South Africa.
Nedlac has recommended that mandatory vaccinations be implemented in workplaces, while specific venues would only be accessible to those vaccinated. Gatherings, events and the hospitality sector are all expected to introduce mandates.
“The social partners have agreed that to promote vaccination and protect the country from lockdown, workplaces should require employees to be vaccinated to enable occupational health and safety and that access should be restricted to certain venues and gatherings only to vaccinated persons,” said Nedlac executive director Lisa Seftel.
Further discussions around mandatory vaccinations are expected to occur at the government’s National Cornavirus Command Council (NCCC) meeting this week.
Sources: BusinessTech, My Broadband
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