South Africa this week joined the international community in celebrating "Move for Health" - a global initiative established by the World Health Organisation and which takes place each year.
Under the theme "Let's Move for our Health", the aim of the campaign was to promote physical activity among all South Africans.
Speaking at the main event on Tuesday to mark the day in GaRankuwa outside Pretoria, Deputy Minister of Health Gwen Ramokgopa said all people - children, the youth, parents, community leaders and senior citizens - should be encouraged to lead healthier and active lives.
"We must work together with government to develop parks and sports grounds and to raise, generate and allocate other resources aimed at the promotion of physical activities in our villages, townships, towns, cities, schools, universities and colleges. The same must be done, where possible, at our places of work," she said.
The Department of Health launched the campaign in 2005 with the slogan "Vuka South Africa, move for your health". It is now part of government's programme to create "Long and Healthy Life for All South Africans".
Source: Sowetan