​Qaqambile Mdledle
Fully vaccinated South Africans can now access and download their COVID-19 digital certificates.
Addressing a media on Friday, Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla said the certificate will be a tool to enable vaccinated people to access many opportunities.
"Amongst others we expect sports and recreation to open up more for vaccinated people, shops to provide discounts and others to give prizes, entertainment like music festivals to start opening for vaccinated people with safety measures, travel and tourism to open more."
The certificate, which was developed in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is recognised internationally. 
"We are pleased that the UK government has as of yesterday decided to take South Africa off the red list meaning more easy travel between our two countries. Even more exciting is that they have announced recognition of our vaccination certificate."
The certificate can be found at https://vaccine.certificate.health.gov.za.
You will need your vaccination code from the SMS you received after your vaccination, South African ID or Foreign Passport number or Asylum or Refugee number to download the certificate. 
People who have lost their vaccination codes can call the National COVID-19 Public Hotline on 0800 029 999 where one of the agents will assist.
The Department of Health will also resend all vaccination codes via SMS over the next four days.
The minister said South Africa has officially exited its third wave of COVID-19 infections.
"The number of new infections has been dropping consistently in the last three weeks with 33% drop in the last 7 days. There has been a 19,3% decrease in hospitalization in the last 7 days."
Phaahla called on all South Africans and other nationals living in our country to come forward and get vaccinated. 
"We have a window of opportunity while infection rates are low to protect ourselves before the expected fourth wave later this year. The vaccines have proven to be safe and effective. Very few vaccinated people are falling ill, ask the health care workers and the educators."