Heidelberg Correctional Centre Wellness Day combines health promotion with GBV awareness
Staff from the Department of Correctional Services took to the streets during a Wellness Day at Heidelberg Correctional Centre on October 7, using a dedicated walk to raise awareness about gender-based violence and femicide while promoting health, fitness and community wellbeing.
The Department of Correctional Services hosted a wellness day at the Heidelberg Correctional Centre on Wednesday, bringing together staff, healthcare professionals and families for a day focused on health, well-being and awareness.
Tumelo Lebethe served as the programme director for the event, guiding participants through the day’s various activities and proceedings.
The event also placed a strong emphasis on gender-based violence and femicide (GBV), with correctional services staff taking to the streets for a dedicated awareness walk to highlight the ongoing scourge of violence against women and children.
Photo: Esau Dlamini
Wellness Day organiser Phehello Tsotetsi reiterated the seriousness of GBV and the need for communities to take a collective stand against the violence.
Photo: Esau Dlamini
“Gender-based violence and femicide remain a serious scourge in our country. As the Department of Correctional Services, we have a responsibility to use platforms such as Wellness Day to raise awareness, encourage dialogue and remind people that fighting GBV requires all of us to take a stand,” he said.
The programme was officially opened by Mzwakhe Nhlapho, who highlighted the importance of combining physical well-being with broader social issues affecting communities.
“Today is not only about promoting physical health but also about strengthening our communities and creating awareness around issues that affect our society. We must continue working together to promote wellness, unity and safer communities for everyone,” he said.
Pastor Nkosinathi Zwane led participants in prayer, calling for healing, peace and an end to violence in communities.
“We pray for healing in our communities and for an end to violence against women and children. May we have the courage to speak out, support victims and work together to build communities founded on respect, dignity and peace,” he said.
The wellness day also provided access to a range of healthcare services aimed at promoting preventative health care and overall well-being. Healthcare professionals included a dentist, dietitian, orthotist, optometrist, podiatrist, physiotherapist and audiologist. Participants were also encouraged to maintain active lifestyles through activities including a 5km endurance walk, aerobics, tug-of-war, a scoring net challenge and soccer.
The day was set to conclude with a bring-and-braai gathering, giving participants an opportunity to socialise and strengthen relationships after the wellness activities.
