BY NOKO MASHILO
VAX CHAMP of the week, Francina Nkosi better known as the Queen of activist in the mining affected communities has dedicated her time to help those who cannot help themselves. Francina told Vax Champ that she is committed to the elderly. “I started helping them when Covid 19 vaccination was introduced in Mzansi. By that time I was part of Train the Trainers run by People Vaccine Campaign that created trainers out of community organizations and activists across the country,” said Francina.
Francina said she would register the elderly on electronic vaccination data system (EVDS) Self Registration Portal and also organize transport for them. “By then vaccination sites were only at Witpoort and Ellisras hospitals in Lephalale, Limpopo. Witpoort caters over 30 villages like Seleka, Abbortspoort, Shongwane and others. So I will negotiate will taxi drivers so that they can wait for the elderly,” said Francina.
Francina said she learnt about Vax Champ when she was still the starring committee member for People’s Vaccine campaign. “I registered immediately and started recruiting others to join. This is where I created Waterberg Vax Champ group that involves areas such as Mokopane, Modimolle and Lephalale. We also cover other districts within Limpopo. We have over hundred members and twenty eight of them attend weekly Vax Camp webinars depending on the topic of the day,” said Francina.
This founding member of Waterberg Women Advocacy Organization said weekly webinars helped them with relevant content to understand what is Vax Champ all about. “It has equipped us with knowledge to do door to door campaigns, something we have been doing since vaccination started,” said Francina.
Francina said she would like to give credit to her team that works tirelessly to make sure that the vaccination message is spread within the community. “We will do this until we reach herd immunity because none of us is safe until we are all safe. Our life is in our hands, therefore it is our responsibility to do the right thing to vaccinate. Vaccination saves lives,” said Francina.
Francina is also a starring committee member of Marapong clinic in Lephalale. Her duty is to work hand in gloves with Home based care staff and encourage patients to adhere to their medication.
