GEMS gets behind Human Rights Walk

Wednesday, 19 April 2016 

On Sunday, 24 April 2016, hundreds of South Africans will take to the streets of Johannesburg for the Human Rights Walk at Constitution Hill, in celebration of twenty years of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

For the third year running, Constitution Hill is hosting the five-kilometre and eight-kilometre Human Rights Walk in partnership with the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) and the City of Johannesburg.

The rich history of Constitution Hill, its achievements as a national heritage site, and all those who served in the struggle for our constitutional democracy will be honoured in the event, which is expected to draw a lively crowd, all walking in the name of human rights and freedom.

The Human Rights Walk is titled the ‘We, The People Walk', from the preamble of The Constitution, and takes place in and around the bustling and trendy area of Braamfontein this coming Sunday, three days before Freedom Day, from 8am to 12.30pm. Catering for children under 12, there is a special ‘We, the Children Walk', which promises a full day of family fun.

"Apart from being a healthy, and fun-filled family activity, which we support wholeheartedly, it is also a symbolic and meaningful occasion for the people of Johannesburg and surrounding areas," says Executive of Communications and Member Affairs of GEMS, Liziwe Nkonyana.

"With the walk we aim to honour the people who were integral in the development of our Constitution during the formative years of our young democracy. We also celebrate the establishment of Constitution Hill, which has become so much more than just an important landmark."
 
Nkonyana adds that GEMS is proud to be part of what is a highly significant event commemorating 22 years of democracy and 40 years since the June 16 student uprisings and Freedom Day.

"At GEMS we are focused on the unique needs of our members and are mindful that healthcare is one of the basic human rights enshrined in our Constitution. This basic human right forms the foundations of GEMS, a medical scheme dedicated to the provision of affordable and comprehensive healthcare benefits to all public service employees," she says.

This year the walk will be preceded by the Thand'uMzansi Campaign to promote patriotism and active citizenry. This will be followed by various activities for the whole family as adults can enjoy live music, live poetry and dancers, while the young will be kept busy with face-painting, educational programmes to teach them about their rights and responsibilities, as well as a jumping castle.

Participants in the Freedom Walk can look forward to finding out more about GEMS services, which include free wellness screenings, a member helpdesk, informative healthcare education material, entertainment and a great deal of healthy fun.
 
"Join us this Sunday as we express the pride of a nation as part of a day-long event where South Africans from all walks of life will come together to reflect, engage and learn from the challenges faced by the country," Nkonyana concludes.