South Africa’s COVID-19 response

South Africa’s vaccination programme is accelerating and is expected to ramped up with the acquisition of additional doses.

The country, like the rest of the world, has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

All spheres of government have initiated interventions since the global outbreak in 2020.

The country is currently rolling out vaccinations for its 55 million citizens.

International travel to and from South Africa is open for travellers under strict conditions.

Below, we provide some information on how various government entities have responded to the pandemic and how those wishing to travel to the country can visit.

National

The National Government has administered over 13 million vaccines since the rollout programme kicked off earlier this year.

The state is aiming to administer 400 000 a day. The country is currently managing over 220 000 a day.

This will be accelerated as South Africa expects to have 20 million doses to distribute in August, according to Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla.

In a recent media conference (6 August 2021), the minister stated the country has over 10 million doses.

South Africa’s vaccination programme is open to all eligible adults (over the age of 18) as of 20 August 2021.

International travel to the country is open under strict regulations. All visitors are required to produce a negative COVID-19 test, recognised by the World Health Organisation taken, taken not more than 72 hours before the date of travel.

Western Cape

The Western Cape Government is responsible for the COVID-19 response for the province and rolling out the vaccination programme through the provincial health department.

To date, the province has administered over 2.1 million vaccines.

The Western Cape Government has also established a mass vaccination site at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, dubbed Vaccination Centre of Hope, which opened its doors on 7 July 2021.
At the site, the province, aims to administer 750 000 vaccinations by December 2021.

A new mass vaccination site – based at the Athlone Stadium – is expected to go live in August 2021 and will assist in ramping up the province’s vaccination rollout.

City of Cape Town

The City of Cape Town has mobilised resources to support business and residents during the pandemic.

The City has also worked with the businesses over the last year to ensure many sectors remain open and are ready to welcome visitors.

With Destination Marketing Partner, Cape Town Tourism, the City is also ensuring it supports local tourism and hospitality stakeholders in being absolutely ready for the busy summer season.

The City of Cape Town, through Film Cape Town and the Film Permit Office, developed a Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for filming on sets.

The document guides film producers on the health and safety protocols to follow in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the production workplaces.

For further information on the City of Cape Town’s response to Covid-19, please visit cityweb.capetown.gov.za/Coronavirus or call the toll-free provincial Covid-19 hotline for advice on 021 928 4102.

*The information on this page will be updated constantly as new information becomes available from the three spheres of government.