THE Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, has urged residents to use the outdoor gym to fight chronic illnesses.
He said the gym will help keep their bodies fit and healthy.
Zizi said there should be no bigger mkhabas in the villages.
The minister was accompanied by his deputy, Nocawe Mafu and Ndebele King Makhosonke II.
The outdoor gym was opened at the king's residence at Engwenyameni near Kwamhlanga on Tuesday, 9 January.
"The gym should be guarded from vandalism. It should be valued by everyone and make good use of it. The gym is going to fight chronic illnesses and keep local people very fit and healthy. Young people can still use it for their different sports to stay fit," he said.
Deputy minister Mafu said they will always visit rural areas to develop them by building gymnasiums.
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"We want to see young people playing all kinds of sports and excelling. The gym must be well maintained," she said.
"We are taking the sporting infrastructure to the rural areas."
Ndebele King Makhosoke II said the gym has come in good time.
"This gym will keep people healthy and fit. I’m happy that it has finally come, and it will keep people busy. It will be well guarded to last long." he said.
Resident Annah Masilela (44) and Boy Msiza (54) said the gym has come at the right time and will help them stay healthy.
"The gym had been long pending and we are happy that it has finally come and opened for the public to use it."
Another resident said: "I'm going to use the gym regularly to reduce my high blood pressure. I'm happy."
