In 2012 Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) aligned with TAFISA World Walking Day initiative decided on hosting The Big Walk taking place annually on  the first Sunday of October each year. The Big Walk is the South African version of the World Walking Day since 2012 has been held annually on the first Sunday of October in City of Tshwane only. In 2015 SRSA and all Provincial Department of Sport and Recreation decided on having the Big Walk in all provincial capital cities on the first Sunday of each October. 

 

This year’s walk as part of the IChoose2BActive campaigns hosted the 5th Annual on Sunday (04 October ) in Soweto. The walk started at Orlando Stadium and proceeded to Vilakazi Street and ended in the Hector Pieterson Museum.  Despite Covid 19 being an obstacle to many events this year’s walk saw an amazing turnout of participants who showed enthusiasm and excitement. Among the participants were some of the country’s greatest sports stars and celebrities like Siphiwe Shabalala, Brian Baloyi, Aurthur Mafokate, PJ Powers and Blondie Makhene to name a few.  Those who could not make it also joined in virtually.  

Soweto is filled with much historical background as such the 5km walk was inclusive of stunning views of the museums and restaurants as participants  walked through Vilakazi Street to Hector Pieterson Museum. The walk  did not only remind people about being active. However it reminded the participants about our history as a nation.

This walk is part of the government strategic frame work aimed at encouraging citizens to constantly develop a habit of leading an active life-style at a young age, through participation in sporting activities. More so, its purpose is that South Africans need to be more physically active as part of their culture, and that daily sport and recreational interactions on an equal basis, build social cohesion and common understanding.  Minister of Sports Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa reminded the participants about the importance of keeping fit especially through such trying times.

 Minister Nathi Mthethwa , together with the Gauteng MEC of Sports Arts and Culture Mbali Hlophe,  Acting Executive Major of City of Johannesburg  Mpho Moerane and other political officials together with the June 16 foundation honored the fallen heroes of the June 1976 Soweto Uprising  with a wreath ceremony.