T Staff Reporter
he Hanyani (live long) Wellness Programme launched on Saturday 22 February at GaRankuwa Stadium in Tshwane, has been welcomed by many as an important and necessary initiative.
Old and young people came in their numbers and all were left calling for more from the day’s activities. They participated in activities provided by professionals including yoga, aerobics and a walk around the Stadium. Other services included health screenings and advises on healthy eating. The programme is aimed at getting Gauteng active and healthy and thereby reducing the burden on health services in the province. Many more people are said to be visiting Clinics and Hospitals for ailments that could have been prevented through healthy diet and exercise. Launching the programme Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Mbali Hlophe and MEC for Health Bandile Masuku encouraged Gauteng to care for their health through healthy living and exercise. Said MEC Hlophe: “Being health conscious is the most important thing we can do for our bodies. If we take of these (bodies) they will take care of us not only now but in the future. While we still can let’s eat healthy and exercise. We need
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a strong and healthy workforce to begin to make an impact in our society and most importantly to live long and care for themselves and thier families. Our sports teams need healthy talented youngsters whose ability is not stunted by nyaope and all illicit substances”. Said MEC Bandile Masuku “Conditions we see in health facilities can be prevented. Let us take responsibility for our own health”. The Hanyani Wellness Programme is also endorsed by the gym company, Virgin Active South Africa. The department will be announcing other private sector partners on this initiative in the coming weeks.
