INSIDE YOUR BUSINESS - The business of gyms in the South African context.

Loading player...
GUEST - Mannee De Wet, Managing Director and co-founder of Planet Fitness



We take a closer look at the business of gyms in South Africa, an industry that has had to constantly adapt to shifting consumer trends, health and wellness demands, and the pressures of a challenging economic climate. At the centre of this story is Planet Fitness, a brand that has grown from its very first club in Benoni back in 1995, to becoming a billion-rand business with a national footprint. For nearly three decades, it has shaped how South Africans experience fitness, building not just gyms, but a lifestyle around health and wellbeing.



Joining us to unpack this journey is Mannee De Wet, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Planet Fitness. We’ll reflect on how he and his business partner have built this empire, how gyms have evolved over the years, and importantly, how they generate revenue and remain competitive in today’s tough economic landscape.
17 Sep 2025 2PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

South Africa's Car Buyers Defy Economic Pressure

Despite higher interest rates, rising fuel prices and growing living costs, South Africa's vehicle market continues to show remarkable resilience. Thanda Sithole, Senior Economist at FNB and WesBank, unpacks what strong vehicle sales reveal about consumer confidence, how buyers are adapting to affordability pressures, the rise of new-energy vehicles, and…
12 Nov 12PM 13 min

The Economics of Diabetes

Ahead of World Diabetes Day, Sara Norcross, VP and General Manager of Novo Nordisk South Africa, joins Kaya Biz to discuss the growing burden of diabetes and its impact beyond healthcare. From workplace productivity and economic growth to treatment access and prevention, the conversation explores why diabetes should be viewed…
12 Nov 12PM 20 min

Protecting Yourself in the Age of Digital Scams

Online scams are becoming more sophisticated and increasingly difficult to detect. Sylvia Musalagani, Head of Safety Policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Meta, discusses the growing threat of digital fraud, Meta's anti-scam initiatives, and how partnerships with local institutions are helping consumers identify and avoid online scams…
12 Nov 11AM 10 min

South Africa's Capital Puzzle

South Africa has no shortage of capital, yet economic growth remains elusive. Jurie Strydom, CEO of Old Mutual, joins Kaya Biz to unpack why the challenge may not be attracting investment, but deploying existing capital into productive sectors of the economy. The conversation explores investor confidence, policy certainty, infrastructure constraints…
12 Nov 11AM 7 min

Reading South Africa's Economic Pulse

South Africa's economic activity weakened again in October, but there are emerging signs that pressure on households and businesses may begin to ease. Independent economist Elize Kruger unpacks the latest PayInc Economic Index, the fuel price outlook, consumer behaviour, business confidence and the key economic trends to watch heading into…
11 Nov 12PM 10 min