Wellness programme takes MPs to constituents

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Reporter
TWENTY-FIVE Parliamentarians converged at Iminyela Grounds in Pelandaba-Mpopoma Constituency on Saturday for a wellness programme where they engaged in football, netball and volleyball against local teams from the constituency.

Team leader and Norton National Assembly representative Mr Temba Mliswa was the centre of attraction as residents jostled to get a glimpse of the fitness guru.

Also in attendance was the Parliament fitness and wellness committee coach and football legend Mr Alois Bunjira.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes health and wellness as being “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.

Several key areas of one’s lifestyle are considered dimensions of overall wellness, and these include social connectedness, exercise, nutrition, sleep and mindfulness.

Each one has an impact on one’s physical and mental health. By making simple and healthy choices on a daily basis, one can reduce stress, have positive social interactions and achieve optimal wellness.

“Besides the wellness and sporting aspect of this programme, the whole idea is to bring Parliamentarians to the people, to have that bond with those who make national laws. This is why we came down here and ironically to the home of the late Father Zimbabwe, Umdala Wethu (Dr Joshua Nkomo),” said Mashonaland Central Senator, Cde Angeline Tongogara.

She said the programme cuts across the political divide.

“This programme, which also has the support of the President himself, does not look at one’s political affiliation, as you can see that we are all from different parties here, but we are united by the cause of this programme. The programme has been going on for the past four years and it’s crucial in creating tolerance among different political parties. It creates unity and also takes our young people out of delinquency issues such as drug and alcohol abuse and also reduces issues of teenage pregnancies,” said Sen Tongogara.

Mr Bunjira praised the Parliamentarians Sports Club saying physical wellness comes with sharp minds conducive for robust debates in the August House. “These are people who decide our national laws; a very big responsibility which needs one to be sharp and the wellness programme creates that atmosphere,” he said.