Mdantsane gym finally reopens

THE state-of-the-art Mdantsane Fitness Joint, closed after its owners ran into financial difficulties, has reopened under new management, the Western Cape-based Motion Fitness.

The gym, the only one of its kind in SA’s second biggest township, closed in May after co-directors Zola Dunywa and Khaya Majeke failed to pay rent which accumulated to almost R3-million.

But as of September 1, Motion Fitness took over the reins with the blessings of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), which seems to have controlling rights over the gym after initially lending Dunywa and Majeke R17million to set it up.

It even acquired an academy status from the SA Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee more than two years ago to help develop sporting talent in the township.

It is unclear if this will continue under the new owners who are yet to state their plans for the facility.

It is also yet to be decided if the fitness facility will change its name – as the name is still etched on the front of the gym situated at Mdantsane City Mall.

Attempts to get comment from Motion Fitness bosses were unsuccessful yesterday.

According to Dunywa, since the gym was financed by the IDC, the corporation had to repossess it due to rental arrears and leased it to Motion Fitness.

The department of sport, recreation, arts and culture spokesman Andile Nduna said the reopening of the gym was good news. —