Read more: COVID-19 Lands DJ In Jail
The poet revealed yesterday that she headed down to Soweto, to get vaccinated against COVID-19 along with the other frontline workers at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
She described the experience to be one that is very emotional but she also decided to use her experience to influence others to also get vaccinated. She also highlighted how getting the vaccine, does not necessarily mean one is immune to the virus but it decreases the chances of it being fatal to the individual. A person who gets vaccinated will also allegedly not get hospitalised but should always remain cautious.
"I woke up before dawn to head to Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto to get a vaccine along with frontline healthcare workers. I am here to share my experiences and raise awareness about the process. My heart has been through a rollercoaster of emotions in the last 24 hours," she shared.
"Getting the vaccine does not make me immune to COVID. I still have to play it safe by wearing a mask in public, social distancing, and sanitizing my hands. Being vaccinated means that should contract COVID, I won’t end up in hospital on a ventilator, & I will not die. I’ll live," she proclaimed.
Getting the vaccine does not make me immune to COVID. I still have to play it safe by wearing a mask in public, social distancing, and sanitizing my hands. Being vaccinated means that should contract COVID, I won’t end up in hospital on a ventilator, & I will not die. I’ll live.
— Lebogang Mashile (@lebomashile) May 12, 2021
Lebo added that as a mother it is her duty to ensure she does not bring the virus home to her children. She is a public figure so she interacts with the public very often.
"I am a mother and a breadwinner. I have an extended family network that depends on me. I am also the one most likely to bring COVID home, because I have the most interactions with people outside. I need to be around to raise my kids and take care of the people I love most."
I am a mother and a breadwinner. I have an extended family network that depends on me. I am also the one most likely to bring COVID home, because I have the most interactions with people outside. I need to be around to raise my kids and take care of the people I love most.
— Lebogang Mashile (@lebomashile) May 12, 2021
Now, since the country is currently experiencing a rocky vaccine roll out, frontline workers and the elderly are being prioritised first. People living with comorbidities as well will follow. So you can imagine the uproar on Twitter when she announced this.
People asked Lebo how did she even qualify and why did she skip the cue whilst their own elderly family members have not even been registered.
There are Health Care Workers working in Covid wards who still haven’t been vaccinated and here you are. Truly Animal farm. I love you sis, but this is not how it should be done. Truth needs to be spoken or we’ll all be part of the problem
— AnnabellaMmalaMokone (@MmalaMokone) May 12, 2021
To be honest, I’m not even mad at #LeboMashile . I’m mad at a system that makes it possible for her to get vaccinated before my 66 year old father when he has BEEN waiting. I’m mad at the claim we don’t want to get vaccinated when we’ve even offered to pay for vaccines ourselves.
— Makhosazana Zwane-Siguqa (@ZwaneSiguqa) May 12, 2021
I like it when you guys get a shock and reality check when your favourites choose the system and themselves when it's time. It's a game. Re: Lebo Mashile. 🤭
— Dr. Thulwanëng (@Thulwaneng_) May 12, 2021
She defended herself and said she works with an organisation called African Alliance which seeks to ensure all South Africans get vaccinated.
"For those asking how I qualified: I have been working with @Afri_Alliance
"African Alliance is a health advocacy organization. These are the people who have been fighting to make sure that the same people who have had their bodies used in vaccine trials in this country, namely poor Black people, are able to get the vaccine," she wrote.
African Alliance is a health advocacy organization. These are the people who have been fighting to make sure that the same people who have had their bodies used in vaccine trials in this country, namely poor Black people, are able to get the vaccine.
— Lebogang Mashile (@lebomashile) May 12, 2021
Picture credit: Instagram