On February 17, 2021, at Khayelitsha District Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, Nurse Zoliswa Gidi and President Cyril Ramaphosa received some of Africa's first COVID-19 vaccinations, signalling a crucial step in the nation's fight against the pandemic. The government launched an extensive campaign to promote vaccination, aiming for a return to normalcy and economic recovery. However, as of March 13, 2023, only 36% of the population was fully vaccinated, falling short of expectations. During nine months of fieldwork in Khayelitsha, I explored varied perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines. Beyond government efforts, complex beliefs and concerns emerged within the community. Individuals grappled with fears of vaccine side effects and clashed with deeply held religious and cultural convictions. Despite challenges, many were willing to embrace vaccination's benefits and align with public health goals. This article delves into the nuanced dialogue between state policies and community realities in South Africa's second-largest township.