Police members from all over the West Rand took some time off their busy schedules on Wednesday, 11 September and focused on health and wellness.
According to Constable Lucky Matome, the West Rand District Police spokesperson, this was part of a programme to ensure that police members are healthy and fit. Members from all parts of the West Rand District joined hands with other government departments, including the Departments of Correctional Services and Health.
The other key stakeholders that formed part of this event included insurance companies such as Assupol, Sanlam, Old Mutual, and Discovery. He said the banking sector also did not want to be left out of this great initiative so staff from African Bank and Standard Bank joined in as part of their social responsibility programme, which aims to create a safe and secure community.
Matome explained that the police launched the first Physical Fitness Maintenance Programme in October 2016. The programme encourages members to participate in weekly structured exercise sessions in order to improve and maintain their fitness levels, for obvious reasons.
He said the day kicked off with a 8km run, followed by a 5km walk and an aerobics session led by instructors from the Police and the Departments of Correctional Services and Health.
“On-site body massages were offered, and voluntary health screenings also took place. This forms part of government’s effort to achieve a healthy workforce and alleviate numerous illnesses which are the result of lifestyle and work pressures, and is a bid to encourage physical and mental fitness and ensure that our members are operationally ready to serve the community.
Given the very nature of our jobs, policemen and -women are often exposed to very challenging working conditions which they are expected to be mentally and physically capable of dealing with.”
Matome added that although the event was a joint initiative, the police dominated most of the activities, for example, they won both the male and female 8km runs. In addition, Lerato Mokhadi, the Senior Admin Clerk from the Westonaria Police, took the aerobics fanatics through their paces with a session of Tae bo. The sessions were also extended to community members who voluntarily assist in safety initiatives such as the Women’s Month activities.
This initiative is supported by Major General Kekana, the West Rand Police District Commissioner, who is also a health fanatic, and encouraged members to participate in fitness programs.
It is imperative that police members are given time off from their duties to recharge, as they always work under stressful conditions.
“The members within the West Rand District need to take their health seriously, to enable them to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with open minds and hearts. My office will support all initiatives that are beneficial to the well-being of our members, and the Vispol District Commander, Brigadier Mashadi Selepe, will lead these initiatives,” said Kekana.
“We have dedicated our lives to the people of South Africa; we will serve them with pride and dedication, and with healthy and sober minds.
