Story by Courage Bushe
HUNDREDS of athletes and mining sector employees from across the Great Dyke converged in Zvishavane this Saturday for the seventh edition of the Palawani Wellness Challenge, an initiative aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, community engagement and workplace wellness.
The annual event attracted participants from various companies operating along the Great Dyke geological complex, with competitors taking part in cycling and marathon races.
Among the participants was renowned athlete Elliott Mujaji, who said his involvement was intended to inspire emerging sportspeople.
“People out there know that there is Elliott Mujaji, and seeing me here taking part in the 21-kilometre race gives budding sports persons hope and belief that they can do well in the athletics field. I am glad that I took part in this year’s edition, and hopefully, I will continue to inspire others,” he said.
Participants said the event provided a platform to promote healthy living while creating opportunities for interaction and collaboration.
“We got an opportunity to take part in this year’s edition, and this helps us to build a healthy community. We had fun, and we learnt a lot because various companies came here and showcased the other side of business and platforms we can engage and create synergies,” a community member said.
ZBC Chief Producer Mr Bengani Ncube highlighted the importance of physical and mental wellness in enhancing workplace productivity.
“For every worker to perform diligently at his workplace, he or she needs to be mentally and physically up to par. So this challenge plays an integral part in moulding workers who are focused, and this is commendable. We have come here because our company values the health of its workers and we are demonstrating it to the public,” he said.
The event also provided an opportunity for mining companies to exchange ideas and discuss health-related issues affecting the sector.
“This is a great move for us mining companies in the Great Dyke because it has afforded us an opportunity outside our busy schedules to come out here and meet health experts in line with our duties. This has also enabled us a chance to look back and find ways where we can improve our company’s terms of health services,” Mimosa Mines General Manager Mr Steven Ndiyamba said.
