Readers’ Views

Fitness equipment used to con clients

I READ with interest the article “Gym wars as chains slug it out in battle over sites” (August 25) on the competition between Virgin Active and Planet Fitness to seek a larger business footprint.

What troubles me most is that these gyms are almost deceiving people into thinking that the greater the proliferation of equipment and pseudo-fitness gadgets that litter their floor space, the better the gym and consequential fitness dividend to the individual.

The reality is that virtually none of this equipment is necessary for the average person to become fit or lose weight. All the time a monthly membership fee is being debited, but personal trainers and individual support plans are not on the agenda.

In contrast, at independent gyms with personal trainers you will not find an exercise cycle or rowing machine. Why? Because these gyms have their own identity and can be true to the techniques that have stood the test of time.

They believe in giving a service to clients and supporting them to reach their goals. If people are serious about fitness and a healthy lifestyle, they need to go to a serious gym.

— Tony Cross, Somerset West

Another term of hatred and greed in Zimbabwe

I CONSIDER myself a fairly decent citizen. I have a good rapport with my customers and employees, but I choose to remain anonymous because I am a white Zimbabwean.

Born in 1980 and educated at the local government school, I have known only Robert Mugabe as president. I have never considered myself a colonialist — quite the contrary. However, 33 years on from independence I continue to be persecuted.

As Mugabe and Zanu-PF begin another term, we are wondering what the cost will be. For us in the minority, it looks like we may be losing everything again. For the unemployed, the sick and those in need of education, it is also a terrifying prospect.

Few who listened to Mugabe’s speech last Thursday could stomach the tirade against minority groups (such as gays, lesbians, whites, urban dwellers and foreign investors).

It is sad when a man is filled with hatred and greed. When he happens to lead a country, it is a tragedy. — Anonymous

Nigerians building trade with South Africans

THANK you for your article on Tony Elumelu, “Africapitalism’s favourite son weighs the odds” (August 25). Many of our members are doing good business and employing South Africans. For example, Aliko Dangote has invested R1.1-billion in Sephaku Cement.

Our focus as a guild is to promote trade between South Africa and Nigeria, which is now R36-billion annually. We feel that more can be done.

— Adetunji Omotola, Guild of Nigerian Professionals SA