Community, SAPS unite through exercise
Community members participated in fun walk and aerobic marathon to fight abuse of women and children.
Duduza – People of all ages participated in a fitness awareness campaign hosted by Duduza SAPS in collaboration with Virtue Club.
The campaign was aimed at celebrating Youth Day by showing the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Duduza police spokesman Sgt Harry Manaka says the campaign kicked off with a walk to show solidarity with victims of violence, particularly women and children.
“They also took part in an aerobics demonstration by members of Virtue Club.
“The campaign also aimed at building trust between the police and the community.
“We also wanted to discourage youngsters from drinking alcohol.
“A pattern has been observed, of young people filling the taverns while in school uniform,” he says.
Manaka says they were inspired by the founder of Virtue Club, Clement Kumalo, who encourages the elderly in his community to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle.
“We also donated more gym equipment to the centre, to help motivate others to join the group,” he says.
Kumalo says he suffered a stroke and his recovery was attained through exercise and aerobics.
“I took my savings and bought gym equipment and recruited elderly people who had also suffered strokes and other muscular complications.
“We started training together daily and this boosted our health and recovery.
“We have also started a netball and football club as part of Virtue Club, through which the youth get involved.
“We decided to team up with Duduza SAPS to show nothing is impossible when you put in effort,” he says.
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