Health challenges voiced at final wellness event
Ezimbokodweni community members benefited from the programme.
THE South Durban Basin Area Based Management (SDB ABM) in partnership with the Department of Health and other stakeholders brought its health and wellness programme to a close in grand style at the Ezimbokodweni community hall on Wednesday, 26 November.
The aim of the initiative was to promote health, wellness and safety in the community.
It is the first time such a programme has been held in Ezimbokodweni. “We are facing challenges here, we need more education on health. We need to teach residents at a young age. Teenage pregnancy is a problem due to the high rates of unemployment and poverty. About 80% of the population depend on social grants. I am grateful to the SDB ABM for bringing this programme to the area,” said ward 93 councillor, Sipho Ngcobo.
The packed community hall listened with great interest as speakers, Sir Mvuna of the Department of Health, Wonder Ndlovu of SASSA, dietician Pride Mseleku and Senamile Hadebe of Sizakala Customer Centre addressed them. Home Affairs, ClearVue Optometrists and Legal Aid were also present as exhibitors.
Gugu Ndlovu and Matron Mfeka spoke on HIV/Aids and highlighted the importance of understanding the disease. “The community needs to know there are no such things as potions that cause illnesses such as HIV/Aids. Senior citizens also need to get tested and stop thinking it’s a young person’s disease,” said Ndlovu.
This message was further emphasised with an entertaining and educational dance, music and drama item by Amanguni Productions. said: “While treatment is important, it is prevention programmes like this, through mediums that people can understand and identify with, that will contribute to people adopting a healthy and safe lifestyle,” said SDB ABM manager, Eurakha Singh. She said her office was keen to engage with the people of Ezimbokodweni and assist by packaging programmes and projects that are responsive to their needs.
“I’m happy with the event and that the Ezimbokodweni community came out in their numbers to benefit from the information and services on offer,” said SDB social development co-ordinator, Anitha Govender.
