By: Khumbuzile Mbuqe

The eThekwini Municipality, Sports Development and Recreation Department hosted the Jima Kasi Aerobathon at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Sandra Khathi, senior Manager Sports Development and Recreation Department said that the aim of the aerobathon was to promote a healthy lifestyle amongst the EThekwini community.

“This aerobathon is a pilot project, we’re looking to have events like this on a quartley basis. With each Ward running their programme, we will then have regional programmes,” she said.

Khathi said various exercise groups from local townships had been formed, specifically groups with the elderly who walk together on a regular basis as well as teenagers who run and attend weekly aerobics classes in their respective areas.

The aerobathan was open to all age groups and was widely advertised on social networks and on local radio stations.

Sports Officer Zola Ndlovu said, “The project aims to highlight the importance of living healthily and that living healthily does not need to be expensive.”

The four qualified aerobics instructors had various exercise sessions, suitable for each group. Participants ranged from six year olds to the elderly.

The Sports Development and Recreation Department is currently running a programming where they are visiting schools and communities, in which they introduce sports programmes and ensure that they are sustainable.

“We want the community to be actively involved in all Municipal programmes, we want to ensure that every citizen has some form of exercise that they enjoy and can access freely”, explained Khathi.

Mabusi Mbhelu, a participant said, “I really enjoyed this event, exercising in a big open space like this is just so different from being in the gym. The vibe is amazing”.