Government collaborates with ParkrunSA and Soweto Arthritis Group to promote a healthy lifestyle
The National Department of Health and the Gauteng Provincial Government will on Saturday, 28 October join hands with ParkrunSA and Soweto Arthritis Group to promote healthy lifestyles through regular physical activities.
This is in line with the strategy for the prevention and management of Non-Communicable Diseases in South Africa.
Parkrun is a free, community event where people walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate every weekend (mostly on Saturdays) morning in various locations around the country.
There are currently over 150 parkrun events/sites organised around the country taking place every weekend.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo will lead the community mobilisation and will be joined by Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko; MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Morakane Mosupyoe, local councillors and senior officials from Parkrun-South Africa who will participate in the programme of the day which will involve physical activities.
Overweight and obesity are serious health problems in South Africa that significantly contributes to non-communicable diseases as well as being associated with a higher risk of death and disability from these diseases.
In 2022 the Department launched the National Strategic Plan on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, 2022 – 2027 to respond as a matter of urgency toward the prevention and control of NCDs, risk factors and mental health conditions.
All people who are interested to participate in parkrun activities, are urged to register free of charge on the website (www.parkrun.co.za).
Members of the media are invited to the launch scheduled as follows:
Date: Saturday, 28 October 2023
Time: 08h00
Venue: Mofolo Park in Soweto, Johannesburg District, Gauteng Province
Enquiries:
Foster Mohale
Cell: 072 432 3792
E-mail: Foster.Mohale@health.gov.za
Motalatale Modiba
Cell: 066 803 0808
E-mail: healthmediaenquiries@gauteng.gov.za
