Zwane tops wellness challenge
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Wits staff proved that movement can drive meaningful change, during the recent Let’s Move for a Better World challenge.
Hosted globally and driven on campus by the Department of Exercise Science and Sport Medicine (DESSM) in partnership with Technogym, the March 2026 challenge transformed physical activity into social impact. Wits staff generated an impressive 102,717 MOVEs, contributing to approximately 51 meals for children in need.
Mphidiseng Zwane, a Senior Operations Manager at the School of Public Health emerged as Wits’ top contributor, converting her dedication to wellness into tangible impact resulting in 10 meals. An experienced ultra-marathon runner with five Comrades Marathon medals and two international races, Zwane reflects the spirit of the campaign: showing up consistently for yourself and others.
Globally, the initiative mobilised over 151,000 participants across 141 countries, generating more than one billion MOVEs and supporting one million school meals through the UN World Food Programme.
Zwane is proud of her contribution and how far she has come since her very first attempt at fitness, which saw her participate in the Wits Kudus 15km race. This, she chuckles and says, was a disaster as she had never even run 5kms. However, this experience was just the motivation that saw her and her husband take up running as a family activity.
Read more below about this dynamite who is preparing to run her 6th Comrades in June.
Please share why wellness is important to you?
Wellness is important to me because exercise is how I sustain my energy, focus, and balance. Being an ultra-marathon runner helps me manage stress and approach challenges with resilience. Having attained five Comrades Marathon medals, I value both the discipline the sport demands and the sense of connection that comes from running with others. A daily wellness habit I follow is starting my morning with movement, whether it’s a run, a recovery walk, or stretching and that helps me reset mentally and prepare for the day ahead. Wellness, for me, is therefore not a separate or occasional activity; it is an ongoing investment in my wellbeing that enables me to show up fully, lead with clarity, and contribute sustainably.
On the Let’s Move for a Better World challenge, I liked the idea that participants’ physical activity is converted into donations that support school meals for children in need. The cause resonated with my interests so I connected my fitness device to the Technogym app, and began tracking my activity as part of the campaign.
Have you seen any benefits of investing in physical wellbeing?
Yes, I have seen clear benefits from investing in my physical wellbeing. Regular exercise has significantly improved my energy levels, focus, and ability to manage stress, particularly in demanding and high‑pressure situations. Running has helped me build mental resilience and patience, which translates directly into how I approach complex challenges and long‑term goals at work. I have also noticed improved physical health and immunity, I hardly get sick which has helped me remain consistent and reliable in both my personal and professional life. Starting my days feeling strong and energised positively influences my decision‑making, interactions with others, and overall performance. Investing in physical wellbeing has enabled me to contribute more sustainably, showing up grounded, resilient, and fully present over the long term.
What do you enjoy about your job at the School?
What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution in ways that are often not visible. I take pride in creating structure, strengthening systems, and supporting academic and professional staff so they can focus on their core work. Being part of a School environment allows me to contribute to something greater than myself by supporting learning, research, and people development, and this strong sense of purpose makes the work deeply fulfilling.
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