Community members get active

NOORDWYK – Masa, who made the event possible with the help of the City of Johannesburg, Region A Sports and Recreation, wanted to bring the community together.

December 13, 2021

Ofentse Ditlopo 1 minute read

Camaga Skiti plays 5-a-side soccer with the young boys from his community for the first time at the Noordwyk Community Park. Photo: Ofentse Ditlopo

Midrand residents answered the call to lead healthy lives after joining Midrand Association of Sports and Arts (Masa) for their first aerobics event at the Noordwyk Park on November 20.

Ezzy Madonzela takes the lead at the aerobic session at the Noordwyk Community Park. Photo: Ofentse Ditlopo

The event accommodated everyone with activities including soccer, netball, a jumping castle and pop-up balloons for children.

Former Bafana Bafana player and Midrand Association for Sports and Arts chairperson Sipho Ndzuzo join community members for an aerobics session. Photo: Ofentse Ditlopo

Former Bafana Bafana player and Masa chairperson Sipho Ndzuzo said the event was inspired by their vision as a non-profit organisation to promote exercise, sports, and to encourage community members to lead a healthy lifestyle.

He added that with the City of Johannesburg being involved, it allowed them to easily bring the community together as well. “We decided to come up with this event also because there are a lot of criminal activities taking place in our parks.

Qhawe Makhoza is excited to get to know her community better after she finally gets to engage her neighbours. Photo: Ofentse Ditlopo

“By us utilising these facilities and coming together with our families on days like these, we are able to curb those suspicious acts from taking place in our public spaces.”

Elam Matekoane and Nathaniel Sibanda fight for the ball in order to pass to their teammates. Photo: Ofentse Ditlopo

Masa marketing person Theetsa Makgoka said such events were important because physical activities were not only limited to building a healthy community physically, but also a community that benefits mentally, emotionally, and socially when they participate in health and wellness activities.

Region A manager for Sports, Arts, and Recreation, Enock Mosiea added that besides promoting and encouraging a healthy lifestyle among Region A citizens, they helped by mobilising and involving participants, offering transportation, an aerobics instructor, and a mobile sound system.

Phenyo Motaung does a pose after he scored a goal in a 5-a-side soccer game at the Noordwyk Community Park. Photo: Ofentse Ditlopo

“We also invited our Gauteng Provincial colleagues in the sports and recreation department, who brought equipment for kiddies drills, mats, and buffers.

“The City of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo prepared the venue and granted permission for use to the organisers as well.”

Katini Mcitela aims for a goal at netball practice on the Noordwyk Community Park courts. Photo: Ofentse Ditlopo

Community member Sipho Motaung said he was happy to see such an event taking place in his community.

“Today we finally get an opportunity to come with our children and play because we could not let the kids come here alone as there are a lot of suspicious activities happening here.

“I wish this event can happen as frequently as possible.”