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Government has extended its Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) vaccination programme to include children aged 12 to 17 years old. The Department of Health recently announced plans to vaccinate this age group.
Presidential Employment Stimulus set to create jobs
Over half a million South Africans have already benefitted from Phase 1 of the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES). This is evidence that government is committed to creating jobs and ensuring economic growth. Government is now intensifying these efforts with the launch of phase 2. ![](/sites/default/files/images_2021_11_01/Presidential%20Employment%20Stimulus.jpg)
Sisters building a greener future
Two innovative entrepreneurs are helping to save the environment by recycling plastic waste into bricks.![Sisters Kedibone and Kekeletso Tsiloane are making bricks, with plastic as a key ingredient. Sisters Kedibone and Kekeletso Tsiloane are making bricks, with plastic as a key ingredient.](/sites/default/files/images_2021_11_01/Sister%20Entrepreneurs.jpg)
Artisans can become entrepreneurs
Youth are making a living as artisans after being trained through a National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and Services Sector Education and Training Authority skills development programme. ![Thapelo Nsimbini ready to use her artisan skills in business. Thapelo Nsimbini ready to use her artisan skills in business.](/sites/default/files/images_2021_11_01/Thapelo%20Nsimbini.jpg)
Nowinile Majola brings beans and maize to the market
A small-scale farmer is working the land to help break the cycle of poverty in her community. ![Nowinile Majola with maize that her cooperative grows. Nowinile Majola with maize that her cooperative grows.](/sites/default/files/images_2021_11_01/Nowinile%20Majola.jpg)
Former businesswoman Nowinile Majola (53) has become a successful small-scale farmer in Mhlanga village in the Eastern Cape.
Relief for agricultural sector
Farmers, farmworkers and communities affected by devastating natural disasters, such as wildfires, can now apply for assistance from the Agri SA's new Disaster Relief Foundation.![](/sites/default/files/images_2021_11_01/Agricultural%20Sector.jpg)
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should vaccinate
COVID-19 VACCINATION during pregnancy and breastfeeding is considered safe for both mother and baby.![](/sites/default/files/images_2021_11_01/Vaccination.jpg)
Although the risk is small, pregnant and postnatal women are at increased risk of severe Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), compared to non-pregnant women.
According to the Vaccine Ministerial Advisory Committee (VMAC), pregnant women who contract COVID-19 also have an increased risk of preterm birth and other complications.
Youth speak up about vaccination
Four young people from across South Africa share their stories with Vuk'uzenzele on why they choose to be vaccinated against the Coronavirus Disesase (COVID-19).
Bokamoso Molale (23) from Welkom in the Free State received the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) jab on 30 April 2021 – earlier than other people his age because he is a medical student.
Gabisile Cengimbo heads to the polls for the first time
Young people ready to vote in local government elections.![First time voter Gabisile Cengimbo. First time voter Gabisile Cengimbo.](/sites/default/files/images_2021_11_01/Gabisile%20Cengimbo.jpg)
Gabisile Cengimbo (18) will cast her vote for the first time on 1 November in the Municipal Elections. She says she is using the opportunity to voice her need for change.
Vote safely during COVID-19
If we all work together, we can help keep each other safe from COVID-19 on voting day.![](/sites/default/files/images_2021_11_01/Voting.jpg)
With the Local Government Elections set to take place on 1 November, the safety of voters and staff during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a top priority for the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).