Residents in the Western Cape are being offered a little extra motivation to take care of their health through a new rewards programme that aims to make healthy choices more rewarding.

The WOWRewards pilot programme was launched in Westridge, Mitchells Plain, this week, allowing eligible Mitchells Plain residents aged 18 and older who use public healthcare facilities to earn up to R100 a month by completing approved health activities.

Chief Operating Officer for the provincial Department of Health and Wellness, Dr Saadiq Kariem, says participants can redeem their rewards at participating stores for food.

“People can earn up to R100 of vouchers which can be redeemed on participating stores for food. We are essentially asking people to complete certain activities. These include keeping up with children’s vaccinations, attending pregnancy check-ups, collecting chronic medication and participating in exercise sessions.”

 

 

Once an activity has been verified, the applicable reward will be issued through the Zlto digital platform.

The programme aims to encourage residents to take a more active role in their health by rewarding everyday actions that can help prevent illness and support healthier lifestyles.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger said the initiative could help make healthy choices more accessible to people who rely on the public healthcare system.

“While rewards programmes are familiar to many private medical scheme members, the majority of South Africans rely on public healthcare. WOWRewards will explore how a rewards approach can support healthier choices for residents served by the public health system.”

Minister Wenger acknowledged that making healthy choices is not always easy, but said even a little extra encouragement could make a difference.

“Prevention is better than cure, but making healthy choices is not always easy. Through WOWRewards, we want to give people a little extra encouragement to take steps that can make a lasting difference to their health.”

The department says the initiative is expected to reach Knysna early next year, with a target of up to 2,000 active participants across the two areas.

Through the pilot, the province hopes to explore whether rewarding people for taking care of their health can encourage healthier habits and help build healthier communities.