The South African National Tuberculosis Association (SANTA) hosted a 5km and 8km walk to raise awareness of Tuberculosis and HIV/Aids on Saturday.
The ‘Walk for a TB and HIV/Aids Free Community’ took place at Elkah Stadium from 8am, starting with registrations from 6am.
Various SANTA groups from all nine provinces were present to support the initiative.
Also present was Councillor Ronald Phamodi, POWA, the City of Johannesburg, Spur, Panarotti’s, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department and Emergency Services.
Naledi Re Gata Mmogo Sports Development and Life Skills cyclists escorted the walkers through the streets of Rockville.
Aim of the walk was to educate, inform and raise awareness of Tuberculosis and HIV/Aids in South Africa and through this initiative SANTA was able to share with residents the importance knowing their TB and HIV/Aids status.
Chairperson of SANTA, Koma Ramontja said we thought as part of our awareness we should have a wellness day as we sometimes find that our communities are sometimes neglected.
“All our participants are walking around streets in the area to make sure that it’s safe for all of them.
“The walk has also served as a platform to remind people that TB is preventable, curable and that it should not be stigmatised.
“Since the response was so good, we might think of making it into an annual event,” he said.
After the walk participants received health talks and free health screenings.
Ramontja said as this was also a fundraising event, all the money that was made from the walk will go towards SANTA to support its efforts in fighting TB and HIV/Aids.
Vera Ntsiye (85) who took part in the 5km walk said that she enjoyed herself and that she would not mind doing this again as it formed part of her exercising for better health.
Elizabeth Chuene said that the distance of the walk was great and that even when she was done, she still wanted to do more.
