Despite a rainy start to the day, the Region G Employee Wellness Day 2026 was successfully hosted, with weather conditions failing to deter stakeholders and employees from participating in a day dedicated to health, wellness, and self-care.
Stakeholders arrived early to set up and prepare for the programme, and as the rain cleared, City of Johannesburg employees steadily arrived to take part in the activities. The event officially commenced with a welcoming address by the Regional Director, Mr Mickey Padayachee, setting the tone for a day focused on wellness and rejuvenation. This was followed by a friendly wellness walk, after which employees were provided with fruits and water to encourage healthy recovery and hydration.
Employees then visited various wellness stalls offering essential health services, including HIV testing, blood pressure screening and cholesterol checks. A wide range of stakeholders supported the initiative, including the Transport Department, Sports and Recreation, City Power, Virgin Active, as well as a dentist, general practitioner, optometrist, dietician and hospice services, ensuring a holistic approach to employee wellbeing.
Ahead of the main programme, a short interview was conducted with a representative from Greendale House, a non-profit organisation specialising in palliative and hospice care. Dr Penny Mathe, a social worker at Greendale House, highlighted the importance of employee wellness:
“For today, we want staff members to be able to get tested. Their wellness is very important. They need to test for HIV, high blood pressure, and they also need to exercise. People must make sure that their health is taken care of and we thank the City of Joburg for ensuring that this day is a success.”
Employees welcomed the initiative, with Ms Thubeni, an employee of the City’s health department, sharing her experience:
“Today’s experience was good for us as health people because we don’t normally pay attention to ourselves; we pay attention to the community. It was marvellous and great, and I feel like it is something that should continue on a monthly basis. The stall I liked the most was the nutrition and health-check station. Knowing that there is a clinic available is good for our health.”
The Region G Employee Wellness Day reinforced the City’s commitment to prioritising the health and wellbeing of its employees, recognising that a healthy workforce is essential to delivering quality services to communities.
ISSUED BY THE CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
