Jozi residents reap healthy lifestyle benefits

29 February 2016

 

The City of Johannesburg’s Healthy Lifestyle Programme is proving to be a big success.

 

Speaking at the launch of this year’s campaign at the Outdoor Gym Park in Orange Farm, Region G, at the weekend, Wandile Zwane, the City’s Executive Director: Health and Social Development predicted that no fewer than 2 000 people would be turning up for exercises at each and every gym in the City’s seven regions by June this year as an increasing number of residents are seeing the benefits of the programme.

Zwane was among more than 500 people who arrived for the launch on Saturday morning (27 February).

Two busloads of pensioners – all members of the Charity Old Age Group in Tshepisong, near Kagiso, in Region C – also turned up.

“This is turning into a movement,” Zwane said.

“This is our first event of the year in Region G and look how many people have showed up,” he said.

Some of the aged opted to take a walk around the park. The young and energetic ones took part in either the 2.5km or 5km fun walks. Gladys Kalinge, 64, and her friend, Emelia Maake, 63, of Tshepisong said they left for Orange Farm at 6am.

“We exercise at Tshepisong Hall every Monday to Thursday,” said Maake.

“We thank the City and Mayor Tau for organising this. We’ve been exercising for more than a year and I feel healthy and fresh,” said Kalinge. “People must stop drinking.”

Both said they were also grateful for the regular free health checks they got. Lilian Khumoeng, 71, and Malebogang Molefe, 62, looked energetic as they readied themselves for an aerobics session.

“My body feels it when I don’t exercise,” Khumoeng said. “After this we feel fresh.”

Grade 9 pupil Lebogang Lengoda, 15, was there with 16 other members of Qakazane Dance Club. As “Captain” Nomvula Mbele, 16, took them through their paces, the crowd cheered.

“We love doing this because it keeps us off the streets and away from drugs,” Lebogang said.

Cyclists Lehlohonolo Mokoena, 19, Alfred Tekiso, 18, and Patrick Skhosana, 19, are members of the Africa Tikun Club. They also said cycling kept them off the streets, creating space for them to study together. Patrick is off to the United States in April to take part in a cycling event thanks to his dedication.

“More kids must join these activities because they will keep them in school. There are lots of distractions out there. This is my first trip out of South Africa and I’m thrilled,” he said.

At the Skills Centre, a group of women spent the morning baking mango bread. Many of those in attendance loved it.
“It’s very tasty$,” said one.