Tafta residents gather round as the team from Virgin Active demonstrate the new gym equipment.

New gym opens at John Conradie House, in partnership with Virgin Active

Residents at Tafta’s John Conradie House are celebrating a new opportunity to stay healthy and active, with the opening of a new Wellness Centre Gym.

The launch of the gym is the result of a relationship that began about 18 months ago when staff from John Conradie House approached Virgin Active for donated fitness equipment. What started as a simple request has developed into a meaningful partnership, with John Conradie House being selected as Virgin Active’s Community Service Project for 2026.

The well-known gym franchise has contributed much more than just equipment. They donated exercise benches, weights, dumbbells, exercise bikes, steppers, resistance bands and other fitness equipment – while also providing their time, expertise and practical support. Thanks to their help, the space was also transformed with flooring, mirrors, a water station, television and music.

Tafta CEO Femada Shamam said the partnership demonstrated the difference that collaboration can make in creating opportunities for older people. “Active ageing is about giving older people opportunities to remain engaged, independent and connected. This partnership has turned that principle into something residents can experience every day,” she said. “Together, we have created a space where our residents can move, connect and continue discovering what is possible at every age.”

During the launch of the gym, residents participated in a gentle warm-up before being introduced to the new equipment. The Virgin Active team demonstrated safe techniques and proper equipment use. For some residents, seeing the completed gym was like “a dream come true”.

Golden Games athlete and keen gym enthusiast Mr Roy Brown was excited about the new facility. He said the gym would keep him occupied, active and motivated, and expressed an interest in encouraging other residents who may be new to exercise.

“The excitement from our residents has been one of the most rewarding parts of this project,” said Shamam. “It shows that a gym is about far more than exercise equipment. It can provide motivation, social connection, confidence and a sense of purpose. That is what makes this partnership so special.”

The opening, which comes as Tafta celebrated the International Day of Older Persons, highlights the importance of supporting older people to live healthy, active and meaningful lives as they age.

Individuals, businesses and organisations that would like to contribute to the Wellness Centre or support similar initiatives that promote the wellbeing, dignity and active ageing of older people, are encouraged to contact us on pr@tafta.org.za to find out how they can make a difference.

More pictures of the opening of the new gym at John Conradie House.