City encourages healthy living

The initiative was launched in May at Thokoza Park, Soweto by Johannesburg Mayor, Parks Tau.

City of Johannesburg and partners such as USAID, Cellfood, Joburg Market and Old Mutual came together on Market Street in Midrand to educate people about healthy living.

“Educating people about healthy food choices is an ongoing process. This year we are doing what we call ‘Street Alive’: with the help of Metro police we close roads and spend time with residents, teaching them to choose to eat and live right. Today we are right next to a fast food outlet because we want them to partner with us by adding healthy meals to their menu. We want a healthy South Africa,” said Councillor Nonceba Molwele, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development.

Emergency Medical Services members cycled along Market Street, while some participants walked to emphasise the importance of exercise and keeping healthy.

Aerobics and health screening were the key messages of the event. Children were also encouraged to eat properly.

“Healthy lifestyle habits like doing exercises and eating correctly from an early age help prevent diseases like diabetes, hypertension and chronic illnesses in adulthood. By 2040, the City of Johannesburg aims to achieve a substantially enhanced quality of life for all. It envisages development initiatives that enable self-sustainability, improved health and life expectancy,” added Councillor Molwele.

Cynthia Gumede of Cellfood said, “We are here to support the healthy lifestyle initiative by the City of Johannesburg. Our aim is to encourage the community to take nutritional supplements which assist in achieving a healthy body and mind.”