JOVEL’INDUSTRY KICK STARTS ON HIGH NOTE

MBABANE – The Jovel’Industry campaign started on a high note.

The campaign was held at Business Eswatini Headquarters at Emafini and the Master of Ceremonies were comedians, Ndosh Webengunie and Gogo. Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) Stanley Dlamini heaped praises towards government as there were representatives from three ministries, namely Ministry of Health, Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology and the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs. Dlamini said it was blessing to have government supporting the sector and further lauded Business Eswatini for realising the need to lobby relevant stakeholders in support of the sector- which was the most affected over the past 18 months. “I would like to implore artists and their followers alike to heed to the campaign’s calls to vaccinate in order for the campaign to achieve its mandate,” he said.

Campaign

Speaking during the event, Minister Harris ‘Madze’ Bulunga said it was an honour to be part of the Jovel’Industry vaccination campaign. “This is indeed a clear and heartwarming sign that we are all intent on working together to accelerate plans to return to our beloved entertainment and sporting activities in the safest manner and as soon as possible,” he said. He further disclosed that he had already vaccinated having listened to informed vaccination presentations from the Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi along with other cabinet ministers. “As we launch this campaign, I wish to encourage all sport and entertainment industry players and lovers to give an ear to the experts; the same experts who have dedicated their lives to science and have worked tirelessly to ensure that these vaccines are safe for all of us. Indeed, it is these same experts, using the same standards, who have developed other vaccines that we have taken before and that our children continue to take today,” he said. He went on to add that the vaccines were safe and effective as they all went through the required stages of clinical trials and extensive testing as disclosed by Minister Lizzie Nkosi.

Madze went on to say, “This return to normalcy has been made possible by a good uptake in vaccination in those countries, particularly by those who attend sporting and entertainment events. It is the same attitude and spirit that we are calling for here at home.” The minister further called on everyone that had gathered yesterday and members of the public to make the right decision to vaccinate. This he said would ensure that thousands of emaSwati continue making a living through the arts and sports sector.As per procedure, he said it would be his ministry which would approach the Ministry of Health to consider easing restrictions on sports and arts sector before that request is then taken to Cabinet.“However, as Minister Nkosi has said, right now we are far off the required target. We should reiterate that every decision on COVID-19 measures will continue to be based on health advice. We remain confident that if the huge majority of us get vaccinated, we will have a strong case to present to the Ministry of Health and the Cabinet. I therefore encourage all young people across the country, all sport and entertainment lovers, to do the right thing and take the COVID-19 vaccine.  I wish to sincerely thank all entertainment and sport leaders who have already vaccinated and have contributed to this campaign.  As role models and industry.

Success

Leaders, it is refreshing to see you use your influence in such a positive way. I now wish the campaign success. Let’s get vaccinated,” he concluded. Business Eswatini CEO, Nathi Dlamini also commended the initiative. He said it was of utmost importance for mass vaccination. Minister of Health Lizzie further lauded the arts and sports sector key players and affiliated individuals for being patient while their respective sectors were closed. She further said footballers and entertainers weren’t the only ones that needed to vaccinate but also the fans who support too. Hip-Hop deejay Supa CDQ who has already vaccinated said the theories which surrounded the vaccine were merely myths as his health was not compromised after vaccinating. “I would like to further urge emaSwati to vaccinate in order for the industry to re-open once more and we get back to having shows which fans have been yearning for a long time,” he said.

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