A study shows that 40% of Africans are opposed to mandatory vaccinations. Image: Canva

A study shows that 40% of Africans are opposed to mandatory vaccinations. Image: Canva

Restaurant industry drives Covid-19 vaccination for workers

The SA Restaurant Association and South African Breweries have partnered for a Covid-19 vaccination drive in Sandton this week.

A study shows that 40% of Africans are opposed to mandatory vaccinations. Image: Canva

A study shows that 40% of Africans are opposed to mandatory vaccinations. Image: Canva

South Africa’s restaurant industry and suppliers are taking the initiative in the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine to its workers in Gauteng this week.

The Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA), in partnership with South African Breweries (SAB), is hosting a vaccination activation for the restaurant industry in Sandton from 15 to 17 November 2021. The activation will be held at Luca’s Restaurant, Sandton Central, from 9am to 2pm. 

So far, 200 restaurants have been invited with the hope of vaccinating 600 people by the third and final day. This is also in a bid to mitigate the ongoing closures of restaurants across the country.

According to RASA more than 1000 restaurants have closed down due to the Covid-19 lockdown so far. The closures impact both staff and service providers such as food and alcohol suppliers who rely on restaurants for their businesses to stay afloat.

Restaurant industry creates community vibe

 “Restaurant closures are such a huge blow to the economy because they bring about a sense of community with our local watering holes, a sense of familiarity, and a large part of what makes a city or town attractive to live in,” RASA CEO, Wendy Alberts said. 

“Communities are indeed built on food and a good local restaurant can make a huge difference for a town of any size, especially for attracting visitors. We need to get vaccinated so that our industry can thrive again,” she said.

She said the restaurant industry was a cornerstone of the economy.

RASA’s partnership with SAB forms part of its ongoing efforts to accelerate vaccinations in South Africa. As a pro-vaccination company, SAB sees vaccination as a necessary driver of South Africa’s economic recovery from the ongoing pandemic. While it is committed to opening up the economy, nightlife, and food and drink industries, the business understands that this is dependent on many factors.

 “Vaccinations are not only about protecting yourself, but also those around you. The more people vaccinate, the closer we are to ensuring that the restrictions that come from lockdowns stop being a hindrance to economic recovery and a threat to lives and livelihoods,” Zoleka Liza, SA vice president of corporate affairs.

Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Parks Tau, will deliver a speech at the restaurant industry event alongside Reginald Sibeko, managing director of Micros South Africa.

The event also marks the launch of the Lucas Restaurante at its new home 24 Central.