The Ezakheni Recreational Park & Outdoor Gym was officially opened on Saturday, November 16.
MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport & Recreation Mrs Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha, Ladysmith Mayor Vincent Madlala and uThukela Mayor Dudu Mazibuko were accompanied by other councillors and officials to officially open the park and outdoor gym.
Mayor Madlala officially opened the park, and the gym was officially opened by the MEC. Both these facilities can now be used and enjoyed by the Ezakheni community.
In his speech, Mayor Madlala told the community that the Ezakheni park project cost a total of R4,852,812.09. “The construction started on September 20, 2011, and was completed on December 14, 2011.” He continued to say that the park does not only belong to the community of Ezakheni A-section, but to the entire community. Mayor Madlala pleaded with the people of Ezakheni to look after the park, as well as the outdoor gym, as it is one of the best attractions of Emnambithi/Ladysmith.
“These projects are among many as we celebrate 20 years of freedom and democracy. Let us never forget where we come from, what we stand for, what we live for, and what we strive for in building a better democratic society. As Emnambithi/Ladysmith Municipality, we care, we serve and we belong,” said the local mayor.
The MEC has been joined by community leaders, including mayors and councillors in many municipalities, in handing over a number of outdoor gym facilities to various communities in different parts of KwaZulu-Natal. This is in line with the department’s mandate to promote healthy lifestyles and create a winning province. The outdoor gyms are accessible to everyone and each park consists of between 12 and 19 exercise stations.
Lots of communities around KZN have witnessed first-hand the hand-over of these facilities and the Ezakheni community is among that number to have seen the MEC herself officially hand over an outdoor gym. This recreational programme seeks to encourage the people of KZN to exercise, thereby preventing lifestyle diseases which are rampant in the province.
