SAHPRA was constituted as an independent entity that reports to the National Minister of Health through its board.

[6] After a clinical trial proved to not be effective for mild to moderate illness caused by the 501.V2 variant.

[7] On 17 February 2021, the national COVID vaccination program was officially rolled out through Phase 3 Trails.

On 31 March 2021, SAHPRA approved the Janssen vaccine for full section 21 mass use.

[8] On 16 March 2021, The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for section 21 Emergency Use Authorisation [9] In January 2021, SAHPRA authorised under Section 21 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, a Compassionate Use Access programme, which gave permission to five importers of unregistered Ivermectin in oral solid dosage form and for health facilities to hold bulk stock.