Department’s Healthy Lifestyle programme implemented across KZN

The Department’s initiative to launch and implement the healthy lifestyle programme in 11 districts in KwaZulu-Natal has continued with great success in different parts of the Province. The launch of the programme is in line with the District Development Model (DDM) which is being unveiled by MEC Champions in their respective districts. The uMzinyathi District DDM was launched by Minister of Sport, Art and Culture Mr Nathi Mthethwa together with MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Hlengiwe Mavimbela in Dundee.

The first launch of the healthy lifestyle programme took place on 10th of September, eQhudeni Village, KwaSithole, in Nquthu in uMzinyathi District where MEC Mavimbela encouraged communities to engage in physical activity and eat healthy food. The programme also coincide with the promotion of one-home-one garden campaign that encourage people to plant their own vegetables.

This Programme aims to encourage communities to remain active and eat healthy food. The programme seeks to stimulate and enhance coordination of programmes that promotes physical activity, fitness, sport participation and good nutrition. Through active lifestyle the Department of Sport and Recreation wants to target vulnerable groups especially senior citizens, youth and disabled people to promote active living.

The most recent centre to be visited for the healthy Lifestyle programme launch is St Anthony’s Child and Youth Center in Newcastle (Amajuba District). The launch was graced with the presence of Minister of Employment and Labour Mr Thulas Nxesi, KZN MEC for Health Ms Nomagagu Simelane-Zulu and Amajuba District Mayor Dr Musa Ngubane. They handed over sports packs that include board games, balls, playing cards, skipping ropes, hoola hoops, tennis balls, bibs, whistles, cones and puzzles.

Head of St Anthony’s Child and Youth centres Mr Mboniseni Nzuza expressed great joy for the sport packs and equipment given to the centre and promised that it will be used accordingly and serve its purpose to keep children active by playing sport.

"The equipment came at a time where our kids needed sport equipment, and for that I would really like to thank the Minister, MEC and the Department of Sport and Recreation for bringing us such good equipment and I promise that we will take good care of it,” said Nzuza. The programme has been welcomed with warm hands by the communities and leaders across the province.

The Healthy Lifestyle Programme has been hosted in the following venues: