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

SA Outlook: Is Investment Grade Back Within Reach?

Could South Africa regain investment-grade status by 2028? Investec's Osagyefo Mazwai explains why the country's fiscal position, institutional reforms and improving credibility are shifting the ratings conversation. We explore the remaining obstacles, the importance of the MTBPS and what investors should watch next.
20 Oct 1PM 16 min

Borrowing To Survive: South Africa's Money Squeeze

The latest Money & Me survey paints a worrying picture of household finances, with more consumers borrowing before month-end, dipping into retirement savings and turning to side hustles to stay afloat. Sarah Nicholson of JustMoney unpacks what the data reveals about financial stress, debt burdens and economic resilience among South…
20 Oct 1PM 17 min

NBI on Powering Pathways To South Africa's Green Jobs Future

South Africa's green transition could unlock hundreds of thousands of jobs, but only if skills development keeps pace. Gugu McLaren-Ushewokunze from the National Business Initiative discusses the new Skills Development Zones model, the future of green employment, and how South Africa can ensure young people and underserved communities benefit from…
20 Oct 1PM 16 min

-DELETED- Borrowing To Survive: South Africa's Money Squeeze

The latest Money & Me survey paints a worrying picture of household finances, with more consumers borrowing before month-end, dipping into retirement savings and turning to side hustles to stay afloat. Sarah Nicholson of JustMoney unpacks what the data reveals about financial stress, debt burdens and economic resilience among South…
20 Oct 1PM 17 min

NBI on Powering Pathways To South Africa's Green Jobs Future

South Africa's green transition could unlock hundreds of thousands of jobs, but only if skills development keeps pace. Gugu McLaren-Ushewokunze from the National Business Initiative discusses the new Skills Development Zones model, the future of green employment, and how South Africa can ensure young people and underserved communities benefit from…
20 Oct 1PM 16 min