Vuselela Media, Johannesburg (2026)

09/08/2023

The 9th of August holds significant symbolism for South African women. It serves as a reminder of the collective strength of women, a day that renews hope, and a time to honor the courageous heroines of the past.

"Wathinta abafazi, wathinta imbokodo" (You strike a woman, You strike a rock) encapsulates the resilience and power of women.

08/08/2023

Meet Mila Madlingozi a dedicated community journalist in the Vuka Vuma Vax campaign, conducted an interview with a mother of two Sharnay Conway who stays at Maiden Farm and is located in Mthatha.

After the interview she had with Sis Conway on child immunisation, she realised that there a lot there are a lot of parents who do not understand the importance of taking their children to vaccinate from day 1 until the last year of immunisation which is at the age of 12.

Sis Conway stated that “she only took her children to vaccinate because she was told to but never paid attention to the importance of what she was doing or why she had to just like her family members”.
Immunization is very important, which is why this program will help parents all over South Africa keep their children safe.

Mila feels like a lot more could be done in assisting misinformed or rather parents with a little knowledge as to why are these vaccines important to their children’s lives.

Introducing Mila Madlingozi, an enthusiastic community journalist actively engaged in the Vuka Vuma Vax initiative. Mila recently conducted an insightful interview with Sharnay Conway, a mother of two residing in Maiden Farm, Mthatha.

During her conversation with Sharnay Conway about child immunisation, Mila recognised a significant concern: many parents lack an understanding of the vital significance of consistently vaccinating their children from infancy until the age of 12, when the immunisation process concludes.

Sharnay Conway candidly shared that she used to take her children for vaccinations merely because she was advised to do so. However, she confessed to not fully comprehending the crucial reasons behind these actions, a sentiment mirrored by her family members.

The essence of immunisation cannot be understated, underscoring the urgency of this programme in safeguarding the health of children throughout South Africa.

Mila is deeply convinced that more can be accomplished to aid parents who may be misinformed or possess limited awareness regarding the pivotal role of vaccines in securing their children's well-being.

UNICEF South Africa has been supporting and promoting the Department of Health's national COVID and measles vaccine program since August 2022, using local community radio stations and young community journalists from the Vuka Vuma Vax community radio campaign. Presently, UNICEF is actively endorsing the campaign to ensure that routine immunisation coverage reaches at least 90% in all districts. This effort is an extension of the previous initiative carried out by UNICEF in collaboration with Vuselela Media and with support from the Department of Health.

07/08/2023

Hellen Mafolo, a devoted community journalist in the Vuka Vuma Vax campaign conducted three interviews, all focused on child immunisations.

During her first interview in her village located in the Sekhukhune district of Limpopo province, she spoke with a family representative who had a younger sister. The representative emphasised the importance of taking children to the clinic for immunisations, as it not only protects the child but also benefits everyone around them.

In her second interview, Hellen met with a community representative from the same village. The representative stressed the need for parents to normalise taking their kids to the clinic for immunisations. He highlighted that this practice not only safeguards their own children but also contributes to the protection of the entire community.

In her final interview, Hellen spoke with a health care expert who provided valuable insights into the significance of child immunisations. The expert stressed the importance of following the immunisation routine and expressed concern about the prevailing misinformation and lack of awareness about immunisations within the community.

Throughout her interviews, Hellen discovered that her community still lags behind in terms of understanding and information about immunisations. She wishes to witness a positive change in attitudes and hopes that more people will prioritise and take part in immunisation efforts.

UNICEF South Africa has been supporting and promoting the Department of Health's national COVID and measles vaccine program since August 2022, using local community radio stations and young community journalists from the Vuka Vuma Vax community radio campaign. Presently, UNICEF is actively endorsing the campaign to ensure that routine immunisation coverage reaches at least 90% in all districts. This effort is an extension of the previous initiative carried out by UNICEF in collaboration with Vuselela Media and with support from the Department of Health.

04/08/2023

Meet Samkelisiwe Gina, a dedicated community journalist actively involved in the Vuka Vuma Vax campaign in Nongoma. Recently, she visited the Mdluli family to conduct an interview and understand their perspective on vaccination.

During the interview, Samkelisiwe spoke with Nondumiso, asking her about the importance of vaccination for her and her family. They discussed the challenges they faced when coming together as a family to discuss vaccination and why it was crucial for all of them to get vaccinated. Additionally, Samkelisiwe inquired about their feelings after receiving the vaccines and whether they noticed any changes afterward.

From this enlightening encounter, Samkelisiwe gained valuable insights. She learned that vaccines are among the safest preventive measures available, capable of making a significant difference between life and death. Moreover, she realised the significance of research and understanding the community's feelings toward vaccination, as it aids in raising awareness among people from all walks of life.

Samkelisiwe also had a heartening experience with Sipho from the Mdluli family, who, despite living with a disability, encouraged others to get vaccinated. This inspiring act had a positive impact on others, dispelling the notion that vaccines are only for the rich and proving that they are accessible to people from all economic backgrounds.

In conclusion, Samkelisiwe's encounter with the Mdluli family underscored the importance of vaccination, not only as a life-saving measure but also as a way to build stronger, healthier communities, irrespective of one's lifestyle or economic status.

UNICEF South Africa has been supporting and promoting the Department of Health's national COVID and measles vaccine program since August 2022, using local community radio stations and young community journalists from the Vuka Vuma Vax community radio campaign. Presently, UNICEF is actively endorsing the campaign to ensure that routine immunisation coverage reaches at least 90% in all districts. This effort is an extension of the previous initiative carried out by UNICEF in collaboration with Vuselela Media and with support from the Department of Health.

03/08/2023

Meet Ntombifuthi Ngiba, a dedicated community journalist actively involved in the Vuka Vuma Vax campaign. Recently, she conducted an insightful interview with a nurse from the 4th Avenue local clinic in Alexandra, Johannesburg, aiming to explore the relationship between individuals, the community, and their local healthcare workers, with a focus on the significance of childhood immunisation.

During the interview, Ntombifuthi discovered that the local clinic faces several challenges in immunising children. One of the hurdles is the need to allocate different days for vaccinating children of different age groups, which can be logistically challenging. Additionally, there are instances when certain immunisations are unavailable, leading to a loss of confidence in the clinic's services.

Another concerning finding was that some children miss out on their childhood immunisations because their parents lack knowledge and understanding about the importance of immunisation. This highlights the need for better education and awareness within the community.

Ntombifuthi also learned that many people in her community feel hesitant to seek clarification from health practitioners when they don't fully comprehend certain aspects of healthcare. This indicates the importance of promoting open communication and encouraging individuals to ask questions without fear.

Despite these challenges, Ntombifuthi is grateful for the efforts of local facilities in conducting campaigns to educate parents about childhood immunisations. These campaigns encompass various strategies such as door-to-door initiatives, school-based programs, and interviews on the local community radio station, all aimed at raising awareness about immunisation.

The nurse passionately emphasised that safeguarding children's health is a collective responsibility, and everyone must take charge to protect the well-being of the younger generation.

UNICEF South Africa has been supporting and promoting the Department of Health's national COVID and measles vaccine program since August 2022, using local community radio stations and young community journalists from the Vuka Vuma Vax community radio campaign. Presently, UNICEF is actively endorsing the campaign to ensure that routine immunisation coverage reaches at least 90% in all districts. This effort is an extension of the previous initiative carried out by UNICEF in collaboration with Vuselela Media and with support from the Department of Health.

02/08/2023

Intokozo 101.2 FM is in the Vuka Vuma Vax campaign. Listen to the radio station to learn more about this initiative powered by UNICEF South Africa.

02/08/2023

Meet Siphethokuhle Mbatha a dedicated community journalist who is part of the Vuka Vuma Vax . She had an interview with a family member, whose name is Mam’Phikela. Which focused on the importance of vaccines for a family.

The interview took place in the Qwasha area in their household.

During the interview, she asked what would Ma’Phikela tell other families about the importance of vaccines and she responded to this question by saying that they must get vaccinated because it is not a bad idea to do so, it is helpful for families and if they decide to go for it they must all go for it so that they can be protected in various diseases as the whole family.

UNICEF South Africa has been supporting and promoting the Department of Health's national COVID and measles vaccine program since August 2022, using local community radio stations and young community journalists from the Vuka Vuma Vax community radio campaign. Presently, UNICEF is actively endorsing the campaign to ensure that routine immunisation coverage reaches at least 90% in all districts. This effort is an extension of the previous initiative carried out by UNICEF in collaboration with Vuselela Media and with support from the Department of Health.

01/08/2023

Meet Thulisile Mbuli an active community journalist in the Vuka Vuma Vax campaign from Newcastle.

She conducted an interview with Mam’Vuyokazi Mntambo, a member of the Sakhisizwe Pre-School committee.

Their interview was about the importance of vaccinations for their community. She explained that the children at the crèche do experience difficulty in terms of getting vaccinated. Some of the reasons why some of the children are unable to vaccinate is that they are abandoned from a young age by their parents and some parents cannot afford transport fees to get to the clinic.

As the crèche, they would like to encourage nurses to try and visit crèches to help vaccinate children there.

UNICEF South Africa has been supporting and promoting the Department of Health's national COVID and measles vaccine program since August 2022, using local community radio stations and young community journalists from the Vuka Vuma Vax community radio campaign. Presently, UNICEF is actively endorsing the campaign to ensure that routine immunization coverage reaches at least 90% in all districts. This effort is an extension of the previous initiative carried out by UNICEF in collaboration with Vuselela Media and with support from the Department of Health.

28/07/2023

Meet Sivuyile Kanzi, a dedicated community journalist actively involved in the Vuka Vuma Vax campaign in Queenstown. During his interviews, he made a significant observation - many community members were not taking child vaccination seriously. Some believed that the government was using vaccination as a means of population control, which resulted in their reluctance to vaccinate their children.

One particular encounter stood out for Sivuyile when he approached a professional nurse to film a video. Though initially unwilling, the nurse provided crucial information about vaccines, particularly concerning Mumps, Measles, and Rubella.

Through his experiences, Sivuyile has gained a profound understanding of the importance of vaccinations. He now realises that nurses and healthcare professionals play a crucial role in keeping children healthy by safeguarding them against various diseases with vaccinations. He emphasises the need to take vaccinations seriously, especially during outbreaks, as it contributes to a safer and better community overall.

UNICEF South Africa has been supporting and promoting the Department of Health's national COVID and measles vaccine program since August 2022, using local community radio stations and young community journalists from the Vuka Vuma Vax community radio campaign. Presently, UNICEF is actively endorsing the campaign to ensure that routine immunisation coverage reaches at least 90% in all districts. This effort is an extension of the previous initiative carried out by UNICEF in collaboration with Vuselela Media and with support from the Department of Health.

27/07/2023

Radio KC 107.7 FM is in the Vuka Vuma Vax campaign. Listen to the radio station to learn more about this initiative powered by UNICEF South Africa.

27/07/2023

Matsoarelo Makuke, a community journalist actively participating in the Vuka Vuma Vax campaign had an interview at the 4th Avenue clinic in Alexandra, Johannesburg.

During the interview, she had an opportunity to speak with a mother who was waiting in line with her child for routine immunization services at the clinic.

From her conversation with the mother, it became evident that there is a lack of sufficient initiatives and information provided to mothers after pregnancy. The information process appears to cease once the mother gives birth. The mother expressed her belief that she had received comprehensive information during her pregnancy, but now, she felt misinformed. Although she is instructed to bring her child for routine immunization, she lacks clarity regarding the specific reasons for these immunizations. Nonetheless, she continues to do so out of concern for her child's safety.

When Matsoarelo inquired about suggestions for improvement, the mother mentioned that during her pregnancy, the clinic had a WhatsApp group that updated expectant mothers on their pregnancy stages. She proposed reintroducing similar WhatsApp groups to disseminate immunization information and why it is necessary to immunize children until the age of 12. The mother also emphasized that greater clarity is essential not only for herself but also for other parents. Furthermore, she highlighted that improved communication would prevent parents from prematurely discontinuing their children's immunization journeys due to a lack of information.

It is evident that the Department of Health primarily focuses on providing information during pregnancy, but there is a need to continue educating parents on the importance of immunization after childbirth. Nurses and doctors should exhibit patience and consistently educate parents about immunization throughout their child's growth, thus preventing any interruptions in their immunization schedules.

Matsoarelo feels like a lot more could be done to spread awareness of why parents need to get their children immunized than turning a blind eye.

UNICEF has been supporting and promoting the Department of Health's national COVID and measles vaccine program since August 2022, using local community radio stations and young community journalists from the Vuka Vuma Vax community radio campaign. Presently, UNICEF is actively endorsing the campaign to ensure that routine immunisation coverage reaches at least 90% in all districts. This effort is an extension of the previous initiative carried out by UNICEF in collaboration with Vuselela Media and with support from the Department of Health.

26/07/2023

In episode two of "Amandla Omgomo", Pumzoh chats with a neighbour about his child's school reporting a measles outbreak and his belief that vaccinations will protect his child. Pumzoh admits he hasn't been involved in his own daughter's health since his wife's death, thinking it's the women's responsibility.

The mother-in-law overhears and criticises Pumzoh's reliance on traditional medicine and neglect of his child's well-being. Pumzoh dismisses her.

Next morning, the mother-in-law insists on going to church together to pray for her, leaving the child with the neighbour. The minister discusses the measles outbreak and vaccinations, and the mother-in-law offers to take the child if Pumzoh won't. In church, Pumzoh receives a message from the neighbour that the child is unwell and needs to go to the clinic. Will Pumzo do the right thing?

The series broadcasts across 20 top local community radio stations nationwide. Jacob Lamola one of the radio presenters from BCR 104.1 FM in the campaign by Vuselela Media in partnership with UNICEF South Africa. He is seen here playing the Promo at BCR FM ahead of the broadcast.

Vuselela Media

09/08/2023

08/08/2023

07/08/2023

04/08/2023

03/08/2023

02/08/2023

02/08/2023

01/08/2023

28/07/2023

27/07/2023

27/07/2023

26/07/2023

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Featured

Share