Local group walks to boost health

The Survival of Their Fittest Walkers Group committed to walking a total of 9km, starting from Norkem Park Police Station, looping around the area, and returning to their starting point.

Braving the cold weather, the group set off on their walk at 06:30 on February 22, with the goal of boosting their health.

Despite fatigue, they remained determined to complete their walk and stay true to their mission.

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Initially, the group walked 5.5km, but over time, they increased their distance and now cover 9km regularly.

The group’s coach, Gladys Ratseke, shared that her motivation to start the walking group stemmed from health concerns she has been made aware of.

Since she started walking, her health has significantly improved.

“I was always reprimanded at the clinic because my blood pressure was too high.

“But not anymore, thanks to the walkers’ group. Every member is healthier and happier.

“Many even say they’re now addicted to walking and wish everyone could be part of the group,” Ratseke said.

The group walks every Saturday and welcomes people of all ages, as they believe a healthy lifestyle has no age limit.

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Their goal is to raise health awareness and support those who may not know how to maintain their well-being.

Among the members are several retirees whose dedication to improving their health makes them seem younger.

They invest their time and energy into staying fit in the best ways possible.

Sixty-eight-year-old Carol Manale shared that retirement led her to join the group, and she has never looked back.

“I retired from corporate employment the previous year and felt bored and lonely, so I decided to join.

“The 11km hike was the most challenging, but I pushed through. Besides managing my hypertension, I now have a gym community to connect with and the exciting commitment of attending sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays,” Manale said.

The group has set clear goals, with staying active and maintaining good health as their top priorities.

Walking and hiking were not always easy, members experienced muscle pain in the beginning, but over time, their bodies have adapted, making the activity more manageable.

Moratuoa Motaung, who is over 50, has been part of the group since its inception.

She saw an opportunity to improve her health as she aged and embraced it wholeheartedly.

“I wanted to work on my aging body, health, and stress after being retrenched.

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“The 11.7km hike was challenging, but I enjoyed every moment. It helped me a lot. I used to have sore knees due to my weight, but now that I’m losing weight, the pain has significantly reduced,” Motaung said.

Since the group was established in March 2024, the community has responded positively, often cheering for them as they walk.

The group continues to welcome new members and also participates in a monthly hike on the first Saturday of every month to kickstart each new month on an active note.

Residents interested in joining the group can contact Ratseke on 082 593 8430.