Vaccine wars: It’s Western Cape vs ANC – as row over ‘WC’s own supply’ escalates

A war of words has erupted in the past 24 hours – after the DA leadership in the Western Cape butted heads with its ANC counterparts over the procurement of a COVID-19 vaccine. Alan Winde announced plans to secure ‘extra doses’ of the jabs solely for the province – but he’s been criticised for ‘undermining’ the national effort.

ANC responds to Winde’s ‘break from national strategy’

Cameron Dugmore is the leader of the ANC in the Western Cape. He believes that the potential for an ‘independent vaccine strategy’ in the province is unhelpful, and states that Winde is merely trying to ‘appease John Steenhuisen’.

“I call on the Premier to leave the vaccination effort to the health professionals currently dealing with it. Don’t feel the need to appease DA leader John Steenhuisen: just do your job. Vaccinations starting with our frontline health workers and eventually reaching 2/3 of the population [is] the greatest logistical operation ever undertaken. We need unity at this time.”

Cameron Dugmore

Western Cape defends plans to ‘secure own vaccine supply’

Alan Winde hasn’t taken this retort lightly. He said on Thursday evening that it would be ‘irresponsible to sit back and do nothing’, while taking a sly pot-shot at the national effort to secure a vaccine. The ANC has been criticised for missing key payment deadlines to the COVAX scheme, leaving the government to scramble for a late consignment of the jabs.

Wendy Philander is the Spokesperson for Health in the Western Cape. She’s now chimed in on the escalating war of words on vaccine procurement, slamming the ANC for ‘only reacting at the eleventh hour’ to get hold of these vital inoculations. It seems this argument is destined to rumble on throughout the months to come…

“We reject the ANC’S claim that the provincial government is politicising the vaccine. The reality is that Premier Winde has – and continues – to prioritise the health of residents. The Constitution outlines that health is a competency of provinces, and so we must ensure that this provincial government does everything it can to secure the health of our residents.”

“We also welcome the provincial government’s readiness to assist the national government because, as it stands, there will be a shortfall to vaccinate the entire population within a suitable timeframe. The ANC, however, neglected the acquisition process by missing both down payments and only ramping up efforts on critical details at the eleventh hour.”

Wendy Philander