SEBOKENG.- Sukuma Lutsha Fitness Club celebrated its 7th anniversary  at BK Lifestyle, a popular local venue owned by Bhekisiza Nhlapo, recently.

The event, which offered free entrance, created a unique experience that encouraged the community to embrace responsibility and balance between fitness, wellness, and social life.

Nhlapo, was all smiles as he watched the community gather to celebrate this milestone at his establishment. The event was supported by key stakeholders, including the Department of Sports, the Department of Health, Monyaka Gym, and BK Lifestyle, which sponsored the venue.

The programme began with several speakers delivered impactful messages throughout the event.

Tebello Phakoe from the Department of Health shared valuable insights on breast cancer awareness, urging women to be vigilant about early symptoms. Vuyokazi Nqandela from Ahanang addressed HIV and AIDS awareness, emphasising the importance of taking PrEP medication for health protection. Wendy from the Rural Women’s Assembly spoke about agricultural programmes within their structures and the partnership between their organisation and Sukuma Lutsha.

Thato Modimola gave a heartfelt testimony about how his involvement with Sukuma Lutsha helped him secure employment at Sasol, crediting fitness for boosting his confidence and discipline. Founder Luthando Bottoman reflected on the club’s journey, highlighting milestones and success stories of members who benefited from Sukuma Lutsha’s initiatives.

Among them were Sipho Ndindwa, who secured a job with CPGP, a Sukuma Lutsha partner; Naomi Magagula, who successfully hosted an event supported by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and acquired her own equipment; Portia Sabalele, who earned her first R2 500 as a gym instructor through Sukuma Lutsha’s recommendations; and Nokwanda Nhlapo, who was recommended to the Rural Women’s Assembly and later traveled to Zimbabwe and Cape Town to learn about agricultural activities.

Entertainment and fitness activities added vibrancy to the celebration. Team Masiza brought energy through dynamic fitness sessions. At the same time, the Urban Nice Mapantsula, led by Tshidiso Mokwena, thrilled the audience with captivating Pantsula dance performances, and Rise and Shine also performed amazing Amapiano dances.

Gym instructors also showcased their expertise: Chox led the warm-up, Luthando conducted functional training, Malefu and Lebo handled HiLo sessions, Mable followed with another functional workout, and Zee, Dimpho, Lerato, and Chox wrapped up with an intense box training session. Then there was self-defense by Tumi.

The 7th anniversary celebration was a resounding success, strengthening community ties and establishing new business partnerships. It stood as a testament to Sukuma Lutsha’s ongoing commitment to promoting health, empowerment, and social development through fitness.

Bottoman explained the reasoning behind hosting the milestone celebration at BK Lifestyle, a liquor-selling venue that has become a surprising yet strategic partner in promoting balanced living.

According to Bottoman, the decision was intentional and rooted in community transformation. “Fitness centres such as Slater, SBK Gym, or Virgin Active already attract individuals who are committed to healthy living. Hosting an event there to teach about positive lifestyle choices would be redundant because those people are already practicing it,” he said.

He further explained that BK Lifestyle, on the other hand, attracts a different audience, one that often engages in social drinking without much focus on physical wellness.

“At BK Lifestyle, you find people who drink irresponsibly without investing in their bodies. That’s where we come in to enhance knowledge on how to balance fun and exercise, and to show that fitness can coexist with social enjoyment, similar to when you go to Nandos, where choices are optional in terms of beverages,” Bottoman added.

The partnership also aimed to challenge stereotypes. “There’s a misconception that if you exercise, you can’t visit places like BK Lifestyle because they sell alcohol. We wanted to break that mindset. Even when you exercise, you can still go to BK and choose healthy options like juices, smoothies, zero-percent alcohol beverages, or water,” he said.

Beyond promoting responsible living, the collaboration opened doors for cross-promotion, reaching a broader audience interested in both fitness and socialising. The partnership also sparked tangible community development. Sukuma Lutsha, in collaboration with the Rural Women’s Assembly, is running a project that offers 20 individuals a mixed-farming learnership with stipends.

These participants have been tasked with identifying land for agricultural practice.

In a remarkable gesture of support,  Nhlapo offered land behind his establishment for the group to begin their learnership programme. This initiative symbolises how the partnership between Sukuma Lutsha and BK Lifestyle has already begun yielding real progress within the community, merging fitness, social responsibility, and economic empowerment under one vision.