August 2025.

More than just a fitness centre, the Loeriesfontein Community Gym has become a vibrant hub for wellness, personal growth, and meaningful social connection. Since opening its doors in December 2024, the gym has continued to evolve into a space that inspires transformation, builds confidence, and strengthens community ties. With the recent addition of new equipment and digital upgrades, the gym is improving its day-to-day operations while also supporting long-term sustainability and holistic development goals.

Now operating from a modern, spacious facility, the gym sees over 40 community members daily, ranging from teenagers as young as 14 years old to seniors up to 75 years old. It caters to men and women, bringing together local SAPS members, students, professionals, and contract workers to train side by side, making it a truly inclusive space for all ages and fitness levels.

“The Loeriesfontein Community Gym is more than a place to work out, it’s a space where young people find support, mentorship, and a healthy outlet for life’s challenges. Here, exercise goes hand-in-hand with emotional well-being, helping the community grow stronger in every way,” said Vanessa Fredericks, Economic Development Manager for Loeriesfontein and Khobab Wind Farms, which funds this project.

Following the completion of a computer literacy course by the staff, the gym underwent a digital upgrade including the provision of a laptop, printer, and digital stationery. This is helping to improve day-to-day operations and aligns with the gym’s “going green” initiative aimed at becoming more environmentally friendly by reducing paper usage and manual record-keeping processes.

The gym’s success is not only measured by its modern equipment and digital upgrades, but by the personal growth it inspires in its members. One such member is Lesane Pieters, a learner at Loeriesfontein High School, who credits the gym for helping him discover his potential.

“The gym has helped me grow, build confidence, and find mentors who genuinely care about me. The new equipment and space make it even better, and the staff are great role models. My dream is to inspire others the way I’ve been inspired, and this gym is helping me become the kind of man my parents can be proud of,” said Lesane.