SAPS health practitioners and social work professionals are playing a vital role in the vaccination rollout program. Because of their qualifications and expertise, they are in a unique position to disseminate accurate information especially in addressing anxiety and other concerns arising from members who are sceptical and reluctant to take the vaccination.
Their importance in this process became evident when these professionals managed to convince 13 members from the Bisho SAPS Training Academy who were initially not interested and willing to take the jab. Without much persuasion but concentrating on educating the members about the benefits of taking the vaccine these members were finally willing to roll up their sleeves. “All thirteen of them pitched up at Griffiths Mxenge today saying “I’ve seen it all, I need mine too,” explained Lt Colonel Amanda Nqumashe, a Social Worker by profession, a Quality of Work Life Manager and Project Coordinator working alongside Lt Colonel Nandipha Nonkwelo-Jevu, Capt Bawuti, also social workers and Rev Betela from EC SAPS Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) unit.
“We welcomed them when the College Commander called me to ask to bring them in. “We value the health and wellness of our members and this is to show them that we are in this together” added Lt Col Nqumashe.
Since the beginning of the pandemic Social Workers have been designated essential workers throughout and had to adapt quickly and extensively to the health, social and economic dimensions of the crisis. Their efforts are being appreciated by the SAPS Management in the Province.
