This according to Gauteng’s Department of Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi.
He said this at the launch of the Healthy Lifestyle Schools Programme at Ponelopele Oracle Secondary School in Ebony Park.
The programme which is a school competition is the brainchild of the department, the city of Johannesburg and their private partner, Discovery Vitality. The aim of the programme is to turn schools into a healthier environment for all pupils.
A website has been created where schools could register for the programme and the closing date is 15 May.
They will then be able to earn points according to the changes they’ve made in their school. Some of the changes that earn school points include products sold at the tuck shop, compulsory physical activity that pupils engage in, smoking interventions taken by the school, HIV and Aids awareness drives at the school and HPV vaccinations.
The more points a school earns, the more they improve their grading on the website. The better a school’s grades, the better chances they have of receiving monetary rewards for their efforts.
Although the programme was launched in Ponelopele, all schools in Johannesburg are welcome to register themselves on the website and start competing with each other.
This did not, however, deter the principal of Ponelopele, who said his school’s competitive nature ensured them success on the programme. “We are currently celebrating one of our top athletes who competed on provincial level and came in fourth place against some of the best in the province. [We are a school that excels],” he said.
“This current generation may be the first generation to experience a shorter life span than their parents,” said Discovery representative Ayanda Ntsaluba. “Nine percent of 15 to 17 year olds in South Africa are overweight and obese,” he said, as he explained the reason behind Discovery’s involvement in the programme. He linked this statistic to the high levels of internet usage and TV watching among teenagers. “The average child in South Africa gets [watches] three hours of TV on a daily basis.”
Ntsaluba said, “They were encouraged by the mayor’s level of commitment. [When the private sector and government work together, it results in success.]”
Parks Tau, Johannesburg executive mayor, said the City would ensure that the food sold by vendors outside the schools is healthy. “When you buy a sphathlo (township bunny chow), it will have a City of Johannesburg stamp on it from now on,” he said jokingly.
Details: www.joburghealthyschools.co.za
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