Money will go out of local economy

I am really disappointed with the Ballito locals and I doubt I am an exception.
We are so quick to say, ‘local is lekker’ but this past week or two have proven that we are big talk yet small action. The minute a large corporate company comes into town, our first local gym that has been operating for 17 years has had to close down because we failed to support it at its time of need.
Yes, the rates at the new facility are cheaper if you are on certain medical aids, but your money is not being sowed back into the community. It is just supporting a billionaire and a franchise that accepts zero accountability for the consequences of it’s monopoly.
People have lost their jobs and a business has suffered because of the failure of loyalty to a gym that was loyal to us, by keeping their rates the cheapest in Ballito as well as eliminating any sign of a ridiculously priced sign-up fee.
I wish I could challenge Ballitonians to go back to the former but I fear my challenge would just be in vain. I wish them success in any future prospects that may arise.
Chantal Kidgell
Ballito