NOXOLO MIYA
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, is on a mission to encourage communities in Gauteng to take up physical activities as part of pursuing a healthier lifestyle.
This past Sunday, Nkomo-Ralehoko, alongside the Soweto Aerobics fitness club, embarked on a 5km hike and aerobics at Rietvlei Zoo Farm.
Despite the rainy weather, more than 40 people joined the MEC on the hike and participated in an aerobics session led by the Soweto Fitness Club as part of a drive to encourage Gauteng citizens to take up physical activities.
“Being physically active can improve your health, reduce the risks of disease and improve your ability to do everyday activities. The call to communities is for them to take up physical activities and eat healthy for them to be fitter, healthier and happier.
“When Gauteng premier, Panyaza Lesufi, reconfigured his cabinet at the beginning of October, he elevated wellness within the health portfolio, making health and wellness one of the key priorities for the remainder of the term of the 6th administration. This is quite important if Gauteng is to address the burden of diseases and ensure that the impact on the province’s health system is alleviated,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
She called on various organisations, including those in communities, to initiate programmes that will encourage more Gauteng citizens to embrace healthier choices.
“I am pleased at the positive response we have been receiving so far from various quarters. We will tap into the experience and networks we established when responding to Covid-19 and even HIV and Aids. The role of civil society, the corporate sector, FBOs, the sporting fraternity, the arts and entertainment sector and the health sector as a whole is key if we are to change mind-sets and behaviours when it comes to our health and wellness.
“As the sporting fraternity and communities of Gauteng, we welcome the elevation of wellness in the health portfolio. It is important that we get Gauteng to be more productive, and we can only do it if we have fit and healthy citizens.”
The Star