By the middle of September 2021, over 15 Million South Africans had received at least one vaccine jab.

GEP functions in a heavy footfall environment with thousands of people coming and out of our offices for assistance, workshops and other engagement each year.

It is therefore essential that we empower ourselves with correct information on how we can keep ourselves, colleagues and families, as safe as we can from COVID-19

WHAT IS THE COVID-19 VACCINE?
The COVID-19 vaccine is a product that helps your body protect itself against the virus that causes COVID-19 infection. The vaccine “teaches” your body’s immune system how to make antibodies specifically against the virus that causes COVID-19.

If you come into contact with the virus, these antibodies give you a better chance of fighting it off, reducing the risk of severe illness or death. The vaccine is provided to you as an injection.

HOW COULD I BENEFIT FROM GETTING A COVID 19 VACCINE?
A COVID-19 vaccine may help:

• Reducing your chances of getting COVID-19, or if you get it, from becoming seriously ill or dying from COVID-19.
• Reducing your chances of spreading the virus to other people, including loved ones or those at risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• Help your community reach the goal of “herd” immunity. This means most people in a community have protection against the virus. Herd immunity helps prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Prevent more variants or mutant strains of COVID-19 from developing by curbing the spread of the disease faster.
• Help everyone #CombatCOVID.
  Once you’re fully vaccinated, you may be able to get back to doing some things you stopped doing because of the pandemic. For example, you can gather indoors, without masks, with other people who are fully vaccinated.

IS THE VACCINE SAFE?
Vaccines undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy based on trial data from thousands of participants across the globe.

In addition, several national and international regulatory agencies have closely examined the COVID-19 vaccines for safety and effectiveness.

In South Africa, we have an additional layer of safety. The SA Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) looks at all the scientific data to ensure the vaccine is safe, effective, and quality.

Ms Mpho Mohaswa is an excellent example of the concept of a multi-disciplinary talent. Mpho obtained her matric at St. Thomas College and studied further for a Diploma in Chemical Engineering at the Vaal University of Technology.

Realising that she wanted far more in life, Mpho went on to obtain a Certificate in Marketing & Branding Management from VEGA, setting her up perfectly for what she wanted to do, start a business.

In March 2017, Mpho started Precious and Pearl Brands (Pty) Ltd, a business that manufactures SABS approved concentrated ginger beer and sells mostly to distributors and wholesalers.

Today, she employs two people and has grand plans to grow her business into a nationally loved brand.

Mpho initially operated the business from her home in Atteridgeville before relocating to Riversands Incubation Hub in June 2018. Tapping into her Marketing training, Mpho has managed, through word of mouth, referrals, direct marketing, radio interviews, magazine advertising, cold calling and Facebook to steadily grow her business.

With the help of GEP, Mpho was able to increase her business’s capacity by buying operational equipment, including an electric bottle capper machine, overhead table stand for the capper machine & electronic platform scale.

GEP also assisted Mpho with the design and development of marketing tools in the form of branded banners, gazebo, magnetic car stickers, posters, staff t-shirts and flyers.

With the positive contribution from GEP, Mpho has grown her business’s turnover from R240 000 in 2018/19 to over R 320 000 in 2019/20.

The company now supplies retailers like Food Lovers Market, and her clientele has increased. For Mpho, this is only a start, and she is determined to reach greater heights with her business and create even more jobs.