AfriForum and Solidarity

Joint media statement

1 July 2021

AfriForum and Solidarity investigate possibilities for appeal in SAHPRA case

AfriForum and Solidarity today gave urgent instructions to their legal teams to investigate an appeal application regarding their case on the conditions imposed by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) for approving purchases of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in South Africa. 

This followed after the Northern Gauteng High Court in Pretoria today struck Solidarity’s and AfriForum’s application from the court roll on the grounds of an alleged lack of urgency.

“We are extremely disappointed and stunned by today’s ruling. Therefore, we are taking the liberty of launching additional actions regarding today’s ruling,” said Anton van der Bijl, Head of Legal Affairs at Solidarity. “We are in the middle of the third wave and thousands of people test positive for the virus every day while our vaccination programme is still failing miserably. In fact, it is a matter of life and death.”

“The ruling is shocking, but this vital battle is far from over. AfriForum and Solidarity will continue this fight to save lives, and we will continue to fight on behalf of the public. Throughout the lockdown, the government has proven that corruption and incompetence are rife when they have a monopoly on COVID-19-related policies and responsibilities,” said Ernst van Zyl, Campaign Officer for Strategy and Content at AfriForum.

Ernst van Zyl
Campaign Officer: Strategy and Content
AfriForum

Anton van der Bijl
Head: Legal Affairs
Solidarity

Issued by AfriForum and Solidarity, 1 July 2021