10 Mar 2026

Tonota community has been applauded for hosting the health awareness walk in a bid to promote healthy lifestyle and beat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

The walk held on Friday under the theme: Healthy Students, Healthy Community Working Together Towards a Better Tomorrow, was inspired by the vision shared during a Botsogo Pitso led by Kgosi Bokamoso Radipitse which aims to encourage the community to take charge of their health.

Speaking at the event, the assistant Minister of Health, Mr Lawrence Ookeditse commended Kgosi Radipitse for having found the need to educate his community on the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle.

He said said about 58 per cent deaths were a result of NCDs hence the need for communities to adopt a healthy lifestyle to curb rising cases of NCDs and related deaths. He said adopting a healthy lifestyle involved regular exercise, eating healthy food, regular screening and check-ups. 

Mr Ookeditse acknowledged challenges faced by the health ministry which included shortage of health workers.  He applauded health workers who were willing to deliver good services despite facing challenges. 

“We have shortage of doctors in some areas,” he said. 

In his remarks, Kgosi Radipitse said activities like health walks were important in promoting health awareness and inspiring lifestyle changes  among communities. Kgosi Radipitse noted that the recent Botsogo Pitso, held in his village was a sign that they were taking health issues seriously. He encouraged the community to to embark of preventative healthcare. 

Director of Diligent Consultancy, Mr Omphile Kgokong said the health awareness walk symbolised unity, awareness, commitment and the need for healthier living. He said the event also served as a platform for engagement. 

“This activity is designed to equip our people with knowledge and practical tools to take charge of their health,” he added. 

Mr Kgokong highlighted that good health was the foundation of productivity, prosperity and dignity.

“When our people are healthy, our community thrives,” he said. 

The health awareness walk was organised by the Tonota College of Education. BOPA