Excitement was evident on the faces of members of the Masizakhe Disabled Forum in Site B during a graduation ceremony held at Site B Community Hall in the area on Wednesday, 10 June.

At least 30 members received certificates after completing an eight-week Live Well Challenge programme spearheaded by the City to promote healthy living and wellness.

The City’s Health Promotion Officer, Eleanor Sopili, described the event as a special occasion. She said that before the certificate handover, participants attended a session on substance abuse.

Live Well Challenge promotes healthy living

“We also educate them about the dangers of substance abuse and its impact on their health. We encourage them to live clean lives and stay away from alcohol and drugs. We also educate them about the dangers of diabetes and high blood pressure,” said Sopili.

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Masizakhe Disabled Forum chairperson Babalwa Tabata described the programme as informative and educational. She said it taught participants how to take care of their health and maintain healthy lifestyles.

Participants gain knowledge on chronic diseases

“We learnt a lot during the programme. They taught us about the dangers of high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer. They also advised us on what to eat if we have diabetes or cancer, and educated us about the dangers of smoking,” said Tabata.

She highlighted that one of the major challenges people living with disabilities face daily is discrimination from the community, including some family members.