When this thing started we were told that vaccinations would be given on a voluntary basis. Only those who chose to be vaccinated would get the vaccine. Then this week there were certain statements from the government to the effect that there might be mandatory vaccinations at some point. Well, involuntary vaccinations are here.

Kwekwe Polytechnic staff and students received an official communication from the institution that basically tells them they have to be vaccinated if they want to continue learning and teaching. Below is the full notice

NOTICE: ALL KWEKWE POLYTECHNIC STAFF AND STUDENTS TO BE VACCINATED BEFORE MARCH/APRIL 2021 HEXCO EXAMINATION

BE ADVISED THAT:

Due to the risk of COVID-19 pandemic Kwekwe Polytechnic received Chinese Sinopharm vaccine.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care is taking the following steps:

-Effective immediately vaccination programme at Kwekwe Polytechnic on the 27th of February to the 1st of March 2021, all Staff and Students enrolled at Kwekwe Polytechnic are to be vaccinated with only the following exception: All candidates of the upcoming HEXCO examinations and Polytechnic staff.

We recognize that there are staff and students that have strong views on both sides of this issue specifically on the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine. However, this is not an area where we can accomodate any deviation from this new protocol.

Your cooperation is anticipated and ppriceiated and we thank you for yourr continued partnership.

Yours faithfully,

T Dube (Dean of Students)

For Principal: Kwekwe Polytechnic

A lot of people have been very apprehensive about getting the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine. China has not had the best experience in terms of the products they make which are often referred to mockingly as zhing-zhongs. With this is mind a lot of people don’t feel like China would make a safe vaccine.