Isaac Pheko
13 October 2008
analysis
Francistown — Breathtaking views of a picturesque scenery. This is the only way the city of Francistown can be viewed from the vantage point of Nyangabgwe Hill.
To truly appreciate Botswana's second city, one has to take time to climb up to the top of one of its most imposing landmarks. The other alternative is to fly over the city.
Nyangabgwe Hill has a concrete road that snakes through the terrain from the bottom to the top. Water Utilities Corporation personnel use the road to get to their huge concrete storage tank located halfway up the hill. At the top of the hill, there are radio and television antennas and satellite dishes, securely locked behind a huge wire gate. The word nyangabgwe roughly means a rock in Sekalaka.
The hill is located near the Francistown-Bulawayo road. At the top of the hill, almost the whole city, from Monarch location to Gerald Estates is visible. Some physical fitness enthusiasts make full use of the hill by climbing or jogging to the top.
The terrain is not for the faint hearted as it is so steep that only the very fit and well conditioned can surmount it. For beginners, it is probably a good idea to start walking up the hill first.
Tebogo Othusitse visits the hill regularly for a workout. He says he can go up the hill 11 times on the steep 300m road. "I can achieve this because I visit the hill frequently, maybe five days a week for exercising sessions. The hill helps in keeping my weight down," says Othusitse. He states that the trick to mastering the hill is warming up first and walking during the first lap and then jogging up in the second lap.
Sethunya Phoza, a nurse has been exercising at the hill regularly since 1989. "I have been coming here to climb the hill and do some aerobics for free. I do not have to go to the gym and pay. It is also convenient because I live nearby and my doctor also advises me to visit this place regularly for exercises.
I encourage people to visit the hill regularly, especially those who suffer from diseases like hypertension. I do not come here to try and lose weight but this place helps me keep a healthy body and mind. When I come in the morning for a workout the clear air and the breeze make my workout session enjoyable," appreciates Phoza.Modisaotsile Ramorola is a visitor to Francistown. He says that living near the hill during his visits encourages him to try out some exercises.
"I have just arrived from Gaborone; it was a long and tiring trip. When I arrive in Francistown, I jog up the hill just to relax and relieve the tension from my body," says Ramorola.
He explains that in Gaborone, it is not easy for him to do this form of exercise because Kgale Hill is far from where he stays. Ramorola says that in Gaborone, it is not very safe to climb hills in the evening as criminals lurk in the shadows.Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital neurologist, Dr Alina Lawrence says that to avoid injuries during exercises like jogging and running uphill, people must use proper running shoes. She says that running shoes with grip are safer when running up a steep terrain. "When people exercise, they must take into account their age, gender and the exercise routines. Injuries like snapping ankles and knees can happen even when one is jogging on a flat surface or tarmac. People can even hurt their spines when riding bicycles along bumpy roads," Lawrence cautions.
She says that exercising in an environment like Nyangabgwe Hill is safer than jogging on roads with cars speeding along. There is a concrete floor at the top of the hill and fitness fanatics gather at the place for a session of aerobics.
Volunteers knowledgeable in exercise routines train people on cardio-exercises and strength like sit-ups and push-ups. Nyangabgwe Hill attracts people of all ages and races who aspire to live healthier lives. It is cheaper than running on a treadmill or paying hefty gym fees.
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