Just after the commemoration of Workers Day this year, municipal staff from the Eden district convened and took their first step to improve their health at a Wellness Day programme that took place on 3 and 5 May 2017 in George and Oudtshoorn respectively.

The programme was a joint initiative between Eden District, George and Oudtshoorn Municipalities and was held at the centrally located George Municipality Banquet Hall in George and the De Jager Sport Centre in Oudtshoorn. Both venues got its fair share of attendance by very keen employees from 8:30 to 14:00 daily.

The main purpose of the initiative was to a build healthy and productive staff corps which can deliver services more effective and efficiently to their broader communities within the boundaries of the Eden district.

In addressing all staff and service providers at the event held in George, Executive Deputy Mayor of Eden District Municipality, Cllr Rosina Ruiters said: “Eden District Municipality takes the health of its employees very seriously in order to achieve its mission and vision”. According to the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Index which states that a healthy workforce is vital to a country’s competitiveness and productivity. “Workers, who are not well, will be less productive,” Deputy Mayor Ruiters emphasised.

During the two days, staff was provided an opportunity to undergo various health screening tests, such as Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Diabetes, TB, HIV & Breast exams. Primary health care services were also made accessible and proper consultation sessions by Service Providers were conducted to ensure that any enquiries made by staff, were immediately attended to. These service providers include: medical aid schemes, fitness and health institutions, as well as financial institutions. Councillors and Management from all three municipalities also made their appearance at this successful event.

The Eden District Municipality would like to extend a word of gratitude to all the role players, including: the Western Cape Health Department, FAMSA, CANSA, SAMWUMED, Bonitas Medial Scheme, LA Health, Key Health, Hosmed, 4 Life Dietitians, ABSA Bank, First National Bank, Capitec Bank, Standard Bank, Old Mutual, Liberty and Metropolitan, as well as the Human Resources Team of both George Municipality and Oudtshoorn Municipality, who went the extra mile to contribute to the success of the event.
Through this initiative, it is evident that municipalities care about the well-being of its staff and more so, furthermore continues to foster and promote sound intergovernmental relations by working together to achieve their goals.