Pretoria - KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha handed over a R770 000 outdoor gym at Nhlalakahle Township in Greytown on Friday as part of the roll out of the integrated healthy lifestyle programme in the province.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Sibhidla-Saphetha told the local community that as government was delivering basic services such as housing, water and electricity, it was also important to provide facilities that will build active and healthy communities.
"Many people in the country suffer from lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes. This put a huge strain on government fiscus and the health system,” said Sibhidla-Saphetha. She said she was optimistic that with the initiative, people will start realizing the importance of exercising regularly.
She said there were a number of benefits that people can derive from exercising.
“Apart from instilling discipline, people who engage in physical activity live longer and are productive at work and in their communities,” she said. The outdoor is built in open parks for communities to conduct regular exercises at no cost. Over the past three years, the Department has rolled out 33 Outdoor Gyms in local municipalities.
In the 2015/16 financial year, the Department will roll-out a further 11 Outdoor Gyms (Fitness Parks) in each of the 11 Districts at a cost of R8,2 million. The Department has identified fitness coaches and instructors who implement the programme at a community level. Each fitness coach forms a Fitness Club at ward level and conduct exercise programmes including aerobic classes at no cost to communities. Umvoti Mayor, Thami Ngubane praised the Department of Sport and Recreation for bringing the outdoor gym closer to the community.
“This facility is a clear indication that our communities are changing for the better. Nhlalakahle Township is now better than it was before 1994. “We want to assure members of the community that working together, we will continue to deliver more services to the community,” said Ngubane.
Sithembiso Gwala was one of the community members who brave the borne-chilling cold to participate in the aerobics in the morning. Gwala said that the facility was going to be instrumental in addressing a number of social ills in the community affecting the youth. “This fitness park could not have come at a better time. This is a huge asset for the community and we will ensure that it’s not vandalized,” Gwala said. – SAnews.gov.za
