Soon-to-be graduates worry about mandatory workplace vaccinations

Some students who are about to enter the workplace are feeling uneasy about the possibility of mandatory vaccinations for employees, but others believe as a public health issue compulsory vaccinations may be necessary.

South Africans have been urged to get vaccinated against COVID-19, which has developed into new variants, the latest being the highly transmissible omicron.

According to an article published in October by Fin24 that said: “South African employers may be able to terminate the employment of their unvaccinated staff on the grounds that the employee cannot contractually perform the requirements of their jobs.” 

North-West University soon-to-be graduates fear that this issue could hinder them from employment opportunities in the future.

This was confirmed in a survey conducted by threestreamsmedia, in which 83% of the soon-to-be graduates said they were not certain if they would be employed after they graduate and that they were feeling concerned that there is a possibility for vaccinations to be made mandatory in the South African workplace. 

Kgalalelo Tsubane (21) a third-year student studying BA in humanities with Psychology said, “I believe that everyone’s right should be protected and, in this case, companies should be able to provide their workers with alternatives before opting to terminate the staff.” 

 She also said that if push comes to shove, she will end up getting vaccinated so that she has a slight advantage at getting employment because the employment situation in South Africa is already dire and stressful in itself.

In a media statement issued in June 2021 by the South African Department of Employment and Labour it was communicated that employers should find a reasonable resolution that accommodates all parties, even employees who refuse to be vaccinated for medical and constitutional reasons.

Additionally, it is communicated that employers have to include a risk assessment if they plan to make vaccinations compulsory.

Employers also need to identify which employees pose a risk of contracting and transmitting the severe COVID-19 disease. Thereafter the employer should make plans to ensure that the employee is vaccinated and plans that permit the employee to work off site or at home, in isolation of the workplace.

Rochelle Bierma (22) a BSc student said she was concerned about the possibility of vaccinations being made compulsory by employers.

“Free will is very important to me. And when people are forced to do something, they usually retaliate.

“However, I understand that rules and regulations are set in place to keep people safe, this is really a difficult situation. I cannot decide for sure if I am fully against the employer’s decision [to require vaccinations] because people need to be protected,” she said. – Kamohelo Mollo