Norkem Park community unites for youth month fitness and awareness event
The day kicked off with a 5km walk and an energetic aerobics session, led by fitness instructors Dumisani Jaholo and Nontobeko Zamela, encouraging attendees to embrace healthy lifestyles.
Norkem Park residents joined Hluma Medical Centre on 21 June in celebrating Youth Month through a vibrant community fitness event for young people from foster homes.
The event formed part of Hluma’s ongoing community social investment programme, aimed at giving back to the community while promoting healthy living and supporting children facing life’s challenges.
Hluma Medical Centre partnered with several stakeholders to bring the day to life, including the Department of Sports and Culture, the Department of Social Development, Cappello Norkem Park, SAPS Norkem Park, You Are Not Alone (YANA), Body Flo, the Crime Prevention Desk and others.
ALSO READ: Jeugland brings Sarafina! to life in powerful Youth Day tribute
Hluma Medical Centre’s Marketing and PR representative, Kabelo Sakala, said the event received great support from the community and opened new opportunities for some of the children who attended.
“We ran a competition on gender-based violence topics, where centres from different provinces were tasked with researching and presenting their findings. All the centres did well, and winners were recognised,” Sakala said.
“The response was great and opened doors for new partnerships, while also strengthening those we’ve built over the past three years.”
The day kicked off with a 5km walk and an energetic aerobics session, led by fitness instructors Dumisani Jaholo and Nontobeko Zamela, encouraging attendees to embrace healthy lifestyles.
Other activities included youth celebrations, business motivation under the Push e Business YAKHO initiative, and Edu-Entertainment segments.
ALSO READ: National Chicks donates soccer kits to Thembisa’s Makhulong FC youth teams
Youth Month attendee Joyce Nungu said the day was about honouring the youth of 1976 and those who came after.
“I’m tired after the 5km walk and aerobics, but I enjoyed them because they boost my health and body,” she said. “The event is about celebrating the youth of 1976 and every youth who came after.”
The programme also featured South African musician Thabo ‘Touchline’ Mahlwele, who delivered an inspiring message of perseverance. He shared stories from his upbringing in Thembisa that resonated with many of the young attendees.
Attendee Katlego Malla said the event reminded young people of their value and potential.
“What encouraged me to attend today was the aerobics and the motivation we received,” Malla said.
“It reminds us that being youth is a phase, and we should make the most of it. The organisers are showing us that we can live life on a higher level and shouldn’t limit ourselves.”
