It is ready, set, and go for the 65 Durban University of Technology (DUT) staff members who are all geared for the upcoming Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge taking place on Sunday 23 June 2024.
The 34th SPAR Women’s Challenge gives participants an opportunity to run/walk around the beautiful Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium area and along the Durban beachfront. The race finishes on the outer fields of this iconic Durban landmark.
Speaking on the exciting race challenge was Nokuthula Hlengwa, from the office of DVC People and Operations.
She explained that the objective for the DUT staff members participating in such an event is to promote employee health and engagement.
For Hlengwa, it is her first time taking part in this race challenge. “I am taking part in this five kilometre just for fun while improving my health at the same time. I’m not fit enough to do the 10 kilometre but I’m happy to get the opportunity that allows me to spend time with my colleagues outside of DUT,” she professed.
She then delved into the steps on how each participant can ensure they receive their goodie bags.
Hlengwa added how ecstatic she was about participating in a health initiative at DUT and this being the first will kickstart many more events that promote employee wellbeing whilst enjoying and having fun with colleagues.
“Let’s have fun, record your steps and take a picture of your count. Meet and step out with other colleagues,” echoed Hlengwa.
Dudu Shabalala, a Human Relations Specialist at Human Capital Services (HCS) at DUT spoke of the SPAR race challenge and what it means to her. “It means promoting healthy habits (#ChooseYou) but more importantly I am looking forward to knowing other DUT ladies who have enrolled for the Sunday Spar Women’s Challenge.
Tshabalala commented how ecstatic she was as this was a ‘first’ for a planned DUT group of women.
“The activation is exciting and we hope it will kickstart many more events that promote a friendly, healthy and connect DUT staff complement.
Besides this sporting event, Tshabalala shared that as part of being an Employee Wellness Staff champion, she hopes that they will have many wellness programmes at DUT. “I would love to have opportunities to connect and to get to know as many staff members as is possible. I would wish for even interfaculty wellness events promoting a healthier and happy DUT (#DUTWellness),” she said.
Further to the preparations for the event, the SPAR race challenge organisers are reminding all participants and their supporters to be aware of the road closures and to allow for sufficient time to arrive, park and get to the start in Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Durban.
All entrants will receive a goodie bag with a race T-shirt at race registration. To enter online or for more race information, go to www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban/.
#DUTWellness #DUTWomen #CommitmentUnlocked
Pictured: DUT’s Steve Biko Campus
Waheeda Peters
