August marks five months since the country went into lockdown, which saw many industries completely shut down.
The gym industry in South Africa roughly employs around 29 000 people of which each feeds at least four mouths. This means that the gym industry supports about 114 000 livelihoods at approximately 1036 gyms. Many gym employees are taking a lot of strain concerning their jobs.
According to Grant Austin (FitSA’s spokesperson) everyone was invited to participate to show solidarity with gyms and fitness facilities on August 5, by gathering at their nearest gym between 12:00 and 14:00 in a silent protest, dressed in black-and-white gym attire and the hashtags #GymSavesLives #OpenOurGyms #JobsSavesLives
“We are hoping that the government will take notice of the 29 000 jobs that are at stake. Around 31% of the industry has already retrenched staff and another 14% be retrenched by the end of August. It looks like the gym industry might have 37% of the industry employees left if we don’t open soon,” Austin explained.
He added that a recent survey has shown that 88% of people said they felt safer in gyms than in shopping malls.
“I think people have realised that a healthy immune system can help to keep them safe.”
