The National Department of Health and the Gauteng provincial government will on Saturday, 28 October, join hands with parkrun South Africa and the Soweto Arthritis Group to promote healthy lifestyles through regular physical activity.
According to the department, the event will take place at Mofolo Park in Soweto, Johannesburg. It is in line with the strategy for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa.
Parkrun is a non-profit organisation that gives local communities an opportunity to take part in a free weekly 5km walk, jog or run, and takes place in outdoor surroundings - whether it is a park, along a beachfront or nature reserve.
There are currently over 150 parkrun sites organised around the country, taking place every weekend.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, will lead the community mobilisation that will be encouraged to participate in physical activity.
The Deputy Minister will be joined by Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko; MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Morakane Mosupyoe; local councillors and senior officials from parkrun South Africa.
“Overweight and obesity are serious health problems in South Africa that significantly contribute 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 in participating in parkrun are urged to register free of charge at www.parkrun.co.za. – SAnews.gov.za
