OPINIONISTA: Fitness industry bleeds money and jobs while government dithers

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The fitness industry employs about 29,000 people at more than 1,100 gyms across South Africa and is facing tremendous strain. The industry has a combined value of R21.8-billion. Studies from Norway show that it is possible to safely reopen gyms, but there is no movement on the issue in South Africa.

. This comes as the government has failed to provide any indication as to when the industry can reopen., Manny Rivera, CEO of Planet Fitness, described how gyms were prepared to operate safely so that members can return. This required creating a safe environment that is in line with international best practice as prescribed by the World Health Organisation .

To date, there has not been any feedback on when the sector can begin operating again. In the meantime, jobs are being lost as the industry is being forced to save costs in an effort to ensure operations can continue into the future. The only other industry that has suffered equally is the tobacco industry, which has also not been allowed to operate. Even the sale of alcohol resumed for a limited period. It is a dark irony that the fitness industry, which promotes healthy living and physical wellness, has faced the same harsh restrictions as the tobacco industry which sells products that actively damage your health.

There is also a real human impact that government does not seem to be aware of. Many of those who work in the fitness industry are not permanently employed, but are essentially contractors. Personal trainers and group instructors who teach fitness classes are not full-time employees and thus have limited options to fall back on. The Temporary Employee Relief Scheme has reportedly been extended till mid-August, but payouts have often been delayed or are difficult to access.

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