Frustrated members at the Virgin Active gym in Quigney are accusing management of neglect and double standards over broken amenities, exposed wiring, and non-operational services — despite paying monthly fees of up to R1,000.
Livid gymgoers told the Go! the deteriorating state of the beachfront facility is in stark contrast to the other branch in the city, raising serious concerns about safety, basic accessibility, and value for money.
Disgruntled member Xolani Mampunye slammed management for taking loyal clients for granted, pointing to ongoing maintenance failures that have lingered for months without resolution.
“It’s like we are being taken for granted here because we pay R1,000 monthly without fail,” Mampunye said. “If you go to the Beacon Bay gym, you’ll find it is top-notch. But here they are just doing as they like, because those wires hanging from the ceiling have been there for a while now.”
When the Go! paid a visit to the gym recently, key wellness and training features at the facility remained out of service, leaving members without access to amenities included in their premium membership packages.
“The swimming pool has not been operational for at least two months.
“The sauna is also out of order and there are issues with air conditioners in the building, which are sometimes out of order,” Mampunye said.
“These are appalling conditions for such a well-respected gym, on top of the monies we cough up every month.” The maintenance failures have also created severe obstacles for members with disabilities.
Prominent disability rights activist Mandla Mncedisi Nkota, who serves as Eastern Cape provincial manager of Disabled People SA, highlighted how the gym’s declining standards undermined patron dignity.
Nkota, an amputee with a membership, said he noticed a decline in accessibility upon returning to the gym after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“There have always been issues at this gym compared to others, specifically when it comes to providing the services they charge people for.
“Their standards are low.
“It’s not user-friendly at all and I have raised these issues with management before. Because immediately as a disabled person, once you have to get people to carry you while you can be mobile on your own, you end up losing your self-esteem.
“That is how I access the training facilities, because they are located upstairs and there is no lift,” he said.
Nkota said dedicated parking bays for members with disabilities were removed in recent years without adequate replacement, while essential hygiene amenities remained neglected.
“I have to use a shower that has a seat, but that specific shower at the gym has been out of order for over six months, and no-one is saying anything about it,” Nkota said.
“Do you see the struggle we are faced with? When you go to the changerooms, you’ll find that it is slippery, and it’s like no-one cares.
“There is exposed wiring on the ceiling in the changerooms.”
A gym employee who did not provide his name as he is not authorised to speak for the gym confirmed that staff remained in the dark regarding repair timelines for the pool and other amenities, adding that frustrated members had taken to lifting pool covers to swim illegally.
“It is still being fixed, and it is vital for our members to have access to the pool, especially at this time of the year.
“We don’t know when it will be opened again.”
Jacqui Walter, head of member experience at
Virgin Active confirmed to the Go! on Tuesday that a “significant infrastructure upgrade” is currently underway at the club.
Walter recognised that some facilities have been temporarily unavailable while essential maintenance and improvement works are completed.
“Throughout the project, member safety has remained our highest priority, with active work areas managed under strict health and safety controls and regular communication provided to members regarding planned outages,” said Walter.
She said the investment includes critical infrastructure upgrades, repairs within the pool hall, improvements to the building’s mechanical systems and ongoing maintenance designed to enhance the long-term member experience.
“We appreciate our members’ patience and look forward to welcoming them into an improved facility once the project is complete.
“As always access is open to Beacon Bay while this upgrade is underway,” said Walter.
