The company said the vaccines would be the first set of jabs manufactured locally from active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) imported from Europe. This method of production is known as "fill and finish".

"This represents a significant landmark for South Africa and the African continent as these are the first Covid-19 vaccines to be produced on the African continent by an African producer for South African and African patients. Supplies will also be made to the European Union and other offshore markets," Aspen Group Chief Executive, Stephen Saad, said.

Aspen did not say how many vaccines were being released, but the health department said last week that they expected to receive 1.4 million doses from J&J this week.

The release of the doses is going to boost the local vaccination drive further. In April, the drive suffered a blow when the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stopped the production of J&J over contamination issues at a plant.

The vaccines will be distributed locally, but also to other African countries through the African Union's (AU) African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team, the company said.

Last week, the Biovac Institute and Pfizer announced their deal for a "fill and finish" arrangement to produce 100 million vaccines by 2023.

People between the ages of 18 to 34 will be vaccinated against Covid-19 from 1 September. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced this on Sunday night, including that the lockdown alert Level would move from 4 to 3.

Saad said: "Supply for Africa and South Africa is particularly rewarding, given the current global inequality in accessing vaccines. This represents a big step forward in ensuring that Africa can address its healthcare priorities."

News24