“South Africa has unveiled the SA‑GAPPA‑H initiative, led by Wits University, to address alarming inactivity rates and rising non‑communicable diseases. The program emphasizes that movement is medicine, encouraging everyday physical activity as a cost‑effective public health intervention.”
South Africa is facing a silent epidemic: physical inactivity. With more than one in three citizens failing to meet minimum activity guidelines, the health consequences are devastating. Wits University has responded by launching the South African Chapter of the Global Alliance for the Promotion of Physical Activity and Health (SA‑GAPPA‑H), a groundbreaking initiative designed to embed movement into healthcare systems, schools, and communities.
The Alarming Statistics
The numbers are stark. 35% of South Africans are inactive, and inactivity contributes directly to the country’s rising burden of NCDs, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. 51% of deaths nationwide are linked to NCDs, making inactivity a critical public health issue. Obesity rates are climbing, particularly among black women, where one‑third live with obesity.
Why Movement Matters
Experts describe physical activity as “medicine.” Just 130 minutes of moderate activity per week—whether walking, climbing stairs, or household chores—has proven benefits for both physical and mental health. The initiative stresses that fitness is not limited to gyms or marathons; everyday movement can significantly reduce risks of chronic illness.
The Launch of SA‑GAPPA‑H
The alliance was spearheaded by Professor Demitri Constantinou, who convened an exploratory meeting in May 2026. The initiative follows the Hamburg Declaration of 2025, which emphasized the need for governments to prioritize physical activity as a public health intervention. International experts, including Professor Fabio Pigozzi, President of the International Federation of Sports Medicine, praised the launch as a “valuable example of leadership, collaboration, and commitment.”
Addressing the Triple Burden of Disease
South Africa’s health system faces a triple burden:
- Non‑communicable diseases (obesity, diabetes, heart disease).
- Infectious diseases (HIV, TB).
- Environmental/systemic challenges (poverty, inequality).
Physical inactivity worsens all three, making SA‑GAPPA‑H a critical intervention.
Community and Healthcare Integration
The alliance aims to:
- Embed physical activity into healthcare systems.
- Promote movement in schools and workplaces.
- Encourage community‑based fitness programs.
- Develop national targets for physical activity, which currently do not exist.
Expert Voices
Professor Georgia Torres, Head of Exercise Science at Wits, emphasized: “To promote physical activity, we have to find out how to make people move. National targets don’t exist, and where policies do exist, they are not implemented. We have a national crisis in terms of promoting physical activity.”
Conclusion
The launch of SA‑GAPPA‑H represents a turning point in South Africa’s fight against inactivity. By embedding movement into everyday life, the initiative aims to reduce the burden of disease, improve mental health, and create a healthier, more resilient nation.
