On the 19th-20th of May 2017, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works participated at the Inter-Departmental Games, which were held at the Vlei Sport complex in Richards Bay. The games were chaired and co-ordinated by the Department of Sport and Recreation in partnership and collaboration with the Office of the Premier.
The continuous participation in sporting activities by government officials emanated from the former Premier of the KwaZulu-Natal province, Dr ZL Mkhize’s call during the first launch of the games in 2009, where he emphasized that ‘such programs should be entertained annually’.
The main mandate of the games is derived from the provincial ‘Work and Play’ Wellness Programme which encourages active and healthy living from all public service employees. Such programmes are echoed internally by our Employee Health and Wellness sub-directorate, which encourages employees to live healthy life styles. This is crucial for government employees because when one takes time to have fun, they becomeproductive in their everyday tasks in the working environment.
Departments in attendance were represented and played various sporting codes such as soccer (male & female), netball, volleyball, Tug-of-War, athletics and indigenous games.
Complements are extended to the department’s Employee Health and Wellness unit, which has done an exceptional job in affording space for officials to participate at such prestigious games. Notwithstanding the fact that in any sporting occasion, there is a winner and a loser. In this instance, results did not overshadow the jubilance, excitement, joyfulness from all officials and athletes alike. This was a place of joy.
