A record-breaking 17 000 participants from across the country participated in the Lidwala Insurance Wellness Walk yesterday, with organisers describing the turnout as overwhelming and more than three times higher than last year’s attendance.
The 24-kilometre wellness walk started at Matsamo Border Gate at 8:10am and concluded at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre, where the first participants began arriving shortly after noon.
Addressing thousands of participants at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre after the conclusion of the fourth Lidwala Wellness Walk yesterday, Lidwala Insurance Company Managing Director Dr Thokozani Nkambule thanked locals for turning up in unprecedented numbers, saying more than 17 000 people had participated in this year’s event.
“Today is a day of immense gratitude, reflection and celebration. More than 17 000 Emaswati came together with one common purpose, to celebrate life, promote wellness and demonstrate that a healthier nation is a stronger nation. Your presence exceeded every expectation and has once again shown that when we unite behind a worthy cause, we can achieve remarkable things,” he said.
He thanked every participant, sponsors and partners for contributing to the success of the event, saying everyone who took part became an ambassador for healthy living. “Whether you walked one kilometre or completed the entire route, you became an ambassador for healthy living and an advocate for a stronger Eswatini,” he said.
The event attracted people of all ages, who turned up to promote healthy living and physical fitness.
From the early hours of the morning, the starting point was already buzzing with activity as participants gathered ahead of the walk. The event began in high spirits, with thousands singing, dancing and encouraging one another as they embarked on the 24km journey. Safety remained a priority throughout the event, with members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and emergency rescue personnel stationed along the route.
The walk was joined by representatives from the regional administrators (RA) office, Members of Parliament (MPs) and Cabinet ministers, who walked alongside participants in support of the wellness initiative.
As participants made their way through Thathakhona, Msahweni, Ndlalambi, Ludzibini and Mayiwane with the atmosphere remaining vibrant despite the demanding distance. While some walkers eventually boarded buses after becoming exhausted, many pressed on, motivated by songs, cheers and encouragement from fellow participants.
Water, snacks and muscle-relief sprays were also provided at designated points along the route to help participants complete the challenge.
Speaking after the event, Lidwala Insurance Marketing Officer Bongekile Dlamini said the turnout had exceeded all expectations. “The turnout was amazing. Last year we had about 4 000 participants, but this year the numbers grew to about 17 000, which is more than triple what we recorded previously. We are grateful for the overwhelming support,” she said.
Dlamini said although about 15 700 people had registered before the event, more people joined on the day, bringing the total number of participants to approximately 17 000. “We had initially registered about 15 700 people, but the number increased during the event. We are thankful to everyone who came to support the wellness walk and make it such a success,” she added.
After completing the 24-kilometre walk, participants crossed the finish line at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre visibly exhausted, with many dragging their feet after the demanding walk.
Despite the fatigue, smiles, celebrations and a sense of accomplishment filled the venue as thousands proudly completed one of the country’s biggest wellness events.
