GHANZI - Morwe Fitness Centre owner, Ms Dineo Morwe says her business is likely to crumble due to high rentals.

The fitness centre project was financed by the then Department of Culture and Youth.

The gym, which was set up after the collapse of a similar outfit in Ghanzi, is located at Bosele ward in the township. She said the funds she received only covered gym equipments plus few months rental.

I have tried to find an ideal location but failed because the rentals in busy complexes are high. I am banking on the council to allow me to use the community hall as that will ensure that I operate for sometime, said Ms Morwe.

She said the move will also give her time to look for a proper place.

The young entrepreneur said she did not have employees as she has few members.

Initially, she had one worker but laid her off when she realised that she did not have enough subscribers and was therefore experiencing financial constraints.

When she started the business, she had a sizeable membership but was dwarfed by the opening of the Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC) gym.

She said most of the youth who could be patronising her business, prefer the BNYC gym as it is freely accessible.

The 30-year-old said before opening her gym, she carried out a study and a number of people were keen on committing to a fitness centre.

Ms Morwe said she has put up posters and fliers to market her business and her observation has been that civil servants are more supportive than other residents.

She said other another setback was shortage of equipment such as treadmill and also lack of an aerobics instructor.

Ms Morwe said she did not have background skills in gym instruction and has realised that there is need for someone with experience.

The young entrepreneur said although she has written reports to the Department of Culture that has not brought any change.

She said although she owes her landlord rent for some months, she will not give up on the business and said she wants to start teaching the residents about the importance of the gym. BOPA