Movement for life: highlighting the role of physical activity in health and wellbeing

The Power of Movement 

Here is why physical activity matters, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Department of Health (NDoH):

• Non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer are the leading cause of death in South Africa, responsible for more than half of all deaths.
• National surveys suggest that around one in ten adults in South Africa live with diabetes, a condition strongly influenced by lifestyle factors.
• Regular physical activity has powerful health benefits, including:
  • about 30% reduced risk of heart disease and stroke;
  • about 40% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes;
  • reduced risk of several cancers, including breast and colon cancer;
  • about 30% reduced risk of depression and anxiety.

Movement is medicine: every step counts, from playtime at school, to walking home from work, to gardening in later life. At every life stage, physical activity is one of the key aspects of improved health and wellbeing. 

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness highlights the importance of physical activity as a foundation for better health, stronger communities, and longer, more fulfilling lives. 

Non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer continue to place a heavy burden on our communities. Depression and other mental health disorders also affect thousands of residents. Yet research shows that regular movement, even at moderate levels, can prevent illness, support recovery, and improve overall quality of life. 

“Movement is medicine. Every step counts. From children playing in the school yard, to adults managing stress, to older persons building strength, each moment of activity improves wellbeing and helps us age with dignity. But movement works best when paired with healthy food choices and taking prescribed medication correctly. Together, they form the foundation for a longer, healthier life,” said Warren Caesar, Director: West Coast District.

He adds, “We often see the real cost of a sedentary lifestyle in our clinics and hospitals throughout the province. Patients who do not move enough face higher risks of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. But it is not just about exercise. Poor diets and skipping medication can undo progress. Those who stay active, eat balanced meals, and remain compliant with their treatment are more likely to recover quicker after illness, manage chronic conditions better, and enjoy independence for longer.”

For children and young people, physical activity builds strong bodies, sharp minds, and healthy habits that last a lifetime. It improves learning and concentration, lowers the risk of obesity, and lays the foundation for resilience against lifestyle diseases later in life. Physiotherapists play an important role in supporting children to recover from injury or illness so they can return to the classroom and the sports field. This is how we help children start well. 

For adults, movement is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases. With diabetes already affecting millions of South Africans, daily activity helps to manage and even prevent chronic illness. It also lowers stress, supports mental wellbeing, and strengthens heart health. Occupational therapists support adults to adapt and thrive after illness or injury, enabling them to remain independent and productive at home, at work, and in their communities. This is how we enable adults to live well. 

For older persons, movement preserves independence, reduces frailty, and prevents falls, which are among the leading causes of hospital admissions in this age group. Physical activity also supports social connection and mental wellbeing, helping older residents remain engaged and active members of their families and communities. This focus on active ageing highlights how movement allows people to age well, with strength, dignity, and purpose well into later years.

A child racing across a playground, a parent walking home from work, an older person tending a garden: these are everyday moments, yet each one protects health in ways we often do not notice. The evidence is clear. Just two and a half hours of moderate activity each week can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and depression.

Movement is not only about structured exercise routines. It is about small choices that build resilience and independence. It is about families, communities, and workplaces that value health. Above all, it is about dignity, the dignity of being able to move, to connect, and to live fully at every stage of life.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is committed to working with partners, health professionals, and communities to build a culture of wellness. Together, we can reduce the burden of lifestyle diseases and create a healthier province where every person has the opportunity to start well, live well, and age well.

Making access to healthcare a reality. For you.