When Mike Bukani took up walking as a hobby – strolling in the streets of New Brighton – little did he know he was taking the first steps towards a lot of other people’s good health.
That stroll turned into what is now fondly known as the Kasi Walk (Township Walk), through which Bukani’s mission and purpose is to promote a healthy lifestyle, particularly among township folk both young and old.
In March, Bukani, 51, turned to social media to invite participants to accompany him on his daily morning and evening routine.
Eight enthusiastic walkers turned up in the first week and the number doubled the following week. By week number three, he had 35 strollers. Today, Bukani has managed to recruit more than 60 people and the walks cover distances of between 7.5km and 13km during the week and at weekends.
“I even wrote to the office of President Cyril Ramaphosa and his office contacted me in May to confirm he would be joining us. He came a day earlier to join us,” Bukani said.
“Winter started and has ended with us still walking. We have both the elderly and the youth in our group. I want to challenge everyone to start living a heathy lifestyle.”
In his state of the nation address, Ramaphosa said promoting a healthy lifestyle was one of the major features of his mandate in the coming year.
Norhi Rwanqa is an active 67-year-old grandmother who has been walking regularly since July 1997.
Twice a day, Rwanqa walks 8.6km and she has since joined the Kasi Walk.
The retired Empilweni Hospital nurse said she came from a family of 12, but the deaths of nine family members were related to high blood pressure.
“I started walking to prove a point that hereditary disease can be defeated and will not affect me if only I live a healthy lifestyle,” Rwanqa said.
“I have no high blood pressure or any illness. I want to die at 100 years or more.
“Just like a car that requires a service, I only take a supplement.”
She was among several excited residents who accompanied Ramaphosa on his 5.5km walk in New Brighton several months ago.
Mavuyi Nopote said she had joined the Kasi Walk before Ramaphosa’s visit and her motivation was good health.
“Look, I cannot run. Walking was going to do it for me.
“There is no pressure. You take your time. I want to live a healthy lifestyle.
“People must consider it,” Nopote said.
Recently, Nopote and Rwanqa decided to walk from New Brighton to Something Good in Summerstrand.
Bukani has since registered a non-profit organisation known as Kasi Walk, which will be launched officially at the New Brighton Oval (Epakeni) on Saturday at 6.30am.
The programme will include aerobics and fitness training.