The total cost of the vaccination programme is estimated at R20 billion.

As South African officials are working around the clock to secure more COVID-19 vaccinations for the country, the costs of the vaccination program is piling up. Currently, it is estimated that the vaccine drive will cost about R20 billion. In an effort to fund this, reports have emerged that the Treasury is considering a tax hike. It is unclear exactly what kind of tax will be increased to fund the vaccines, but it seems that a hike in tax on alcohol might be on the cards. Treasury director-general Dondo Mogajane has said that the vaccine rollout is viewed as a public good and that they are committed to funding the program as best they can.