2023 NATIONAL SAMSRA MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEE WELLNES GAMES
The Mkhondo Local Municipality, once again, during this year's National South African Municipal Sports & Recreation Association (SAMSRA) Employee Wellness Games, hosted by the eThekwini Municipality, proved that they are indeed a "Model Municipality of Excellence", not just in relation to service delivery, but also when it comes to matters of sports and recreation. This follows an outstanding collective showcasing by the mighty Team Mkhondo, represented by employees of the municipality, in each of the sporting codes wherein they participated.
The games, which were held in Durban, from the 2nd - 6th of October 2023, saw more than 30 municipalities from across all 9 Provinces of the country, gather in South Africa's Playground, to battle it out for the game's overall champion status, which going into this year's games, was proudly held by none other than the mighty Team Mkhondo.
The level of competitiveness amongst the teams from the various municipalities were through the roof, with one thing made evidently clear; that they were all there to win and rightfully claim this year's champion status. Team Mkhondo fielded teams in five sporting codes, which included Netball, Soccer, Volleyball (male & female), Tug-of-War and Pool squads, respectively.
The gentlemen’s and ladies from Mkhondo did not disappoint, and continued to fly the flag of the municipality very high by giving exceptional performances, in each of their encounters, and held podium positions in almost all of the sporting codes that they participated in.
The Tug-of-war team successfully defended their title of champion when they thumped their opponents in the finals, to add yet another gold medal to their record tally.
The male Volleyball, Netball and Pool teams, each came second in their respective categories, ensuring that Mkhondo Local Municipality remains a force to be reckoned and well respected. Team Soccer and female Volleyball, as well showcased their exceptional competitiveness.
The gallant and victorious efforts of Team Mkhondo were warmly received and acknowledged, with great excitement and appreciation, by the Municipal Council, led by the Executive Mayor, Hon. Cllr. Ngelosi Ndlovu together with the Speaker of Council, Hon. Cllr. Mduduzi Ngwenya, when the Local Sport Committee Executives officially handed over the silverware to the municipality.
The Executive Mayor expressed insurmountable joy and pride in each and every employee that participated in this year's games and further thanked them for representing the municipality exceptionally well. Hon. Cllr. Ndlovu emphasized the importance and role that is played by the Employee Assistance Program and initiatives such as the wellness games hosted by the SAMSRA, particularly in the workplace, as it can become a highly stressful and psychologically draining environment at times.
She further encouraged more employees to take advantage of the availability and support of such initiatives, programs and activities, pledging the continued support and prioritization of employee wellness and related matters.
She closed off by congratulating the team and thanking the Local Sports Committee Executive for their sterling work and calling for a clean sweep in next year's games. - End
