Duduza – Mandlawethu Chronic Support Group held its third annual 5km and 10km fun walk in Duduza on March 27.
The health awareness walk received support from individuals of all walks of life.
JM Brothers Funeral Services, Aquella, Duduza SAPS, Dan Radebe Primary School and many other stakeholders and organisations supported the initiative.
The starting and ending point of the walk was at Dan Radebe Primary School.
After being diagnosed with diabetes in 2023, Mandlawethu Sibeko turned his personal health journey into a mission to uplift others facing similar challenges.
Individuals from all walks of life joined in. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Sibeko, founder of the Mandlawethu Chronic Support Group, said his experience in hospital opened his eyes to the lack of communication and support for patients living with chronic illnesses.
“I was hospitalised for two weeks, and during that time I saw a huge gap between patients, doctors, nursesand the information being shared.
“In my case, no one really explained what I was dealing with or how to manage it,” he said.
Motivated by this experience, he established a diabetic support group to raise awareness and assist those diagnosed with diabetes.
Dan Radebe Primary School learners participated in the fun walk. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“As the initiative grew, I realised the need extended beyond one condition. That is why we later changed the name to Mandlawethu Chronic Support Group, so we can support people living with all chronic illnesses, not just diabetes,” he explained.
The organisation now hosts awareness events aimed at educating communities about healthy living, disease management, and the importance of early detection.
On the day of the fun walk, individuals living with diabetes received health screening, glucometers and a day packed with activities. At the end of the walk, individuals who participated did aerobics.
Sibeko said the fun walk also provided practical support, including health information, guidance, and access to basic resources.
He highlighted the importance of partnerships in making these initiatives successful, noting continued support from sponsors who have helped sustain the events over time.
Now in its third year, the initiative continues to grow, promoting healthier lifestyles and empowering individuals with knowledge about their conditions.
“Our goal is to encourage people to take care of their health and understand their conditions better. With the right information and support, people can live full and healthy lives,” Sibeko said.
As part of the initiative, learners at Dan Radebe Primary School were educated on a number of chronic illnesses.
One of the educators at the school, Vusi Sinda said the school has had a diabetic child in the past.
He emphasised the importance of partnerships between schools and community organisations in raising awareness about chronic illnesses such as diabetes.
“It is important for schools to partner with organisations like this because awareness starts with education.
“Our learners were able to participate, and that exposure helps them understand health issues from a young age,” he said.
“Many people still do not fully understand chronic illnesses like diabetes. That is why these awareness events are important, not just for learners, but for the community at large.”
He advised parents which children diagnosed with diabetes to ensure that their children follow proper treatment, eat correctly, and attend regular check-ups.
JM Brothers Funeral Services fleet manager, Banele Masuku said as a business they have supported this initiative since day one.
“We see the need to support this event as it educates community members and helps them stay informed. Ours is to help empower our local people through support and encouragement,” he said.
After the programme of the event had concluded, elders received food parcels containing healthy food to help encourage a healthy diet.
Individuals from all walks of life joined in. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
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