The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation hosted the Hanyani and Fit For Free Wellness programme at the Wattville Stadium in Benoni on March 10.
The programme aims to inspire and encourage members of the community to take part in regular physical activity and to adopt healthy lifestyles by introducing different and fun ways of exercising to keep healthy and happy.
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Activities on the day began with a 5km walk, which was followed by a session of aerobics and demonstrations in kickboxing and yoga.
Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Mbali Hlophe was accompanied by MMC Nomadlozi Nkosi to join attendees in the activities.
Participants in the event comprised people from communities in and around Wattville and other parts of Ekurhuleni.
From young children to the elderly, male and female, the assembled group was limited due to Covid-19 restrictions and health and safety protocols were observed.
The integrated programme also supported local arts and enterprises by utilising local instructors, as well as local DJs and dancers.
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Launched in 2020, Hanyani, which is a Xitsonga word for live long, was initiated to promote a culture of healthy physical lifestyle among the people of Gauteng.
It is part of a response to the announcement made by premier David Makhura to reduce the province’s health bill and get citizens to lead more healthy and active lifestyles.
Hlophe said:
“It is important for us to keep fit and healthy now more than ever; health is wealth as we battle the pandemic.
“We are encouraged to see more people taking a liking in activities, including hiking, walking and running.
“Exercising helps strengthen our immune system and makes the heart happy.”
The Gauteng provincial government aims to build the Hanyani and Fit For Free Wellness programme into a movement that will turn Gauteng into a healthy and active recreational space.
