05/07/2019
Dear Members
5 July 2019
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we can finally admit, the fat lady has sung. Our time in Stellenbosch has come to an extremely intense and heartbreaking end. After being a part of the Stellenbosch community since 1996, the municipality is refusing to step in. To open our doors, right now, we need a document from the municipality which they are refusing to give to us. 3000 members, 27 unemployed people and a closed facility that will not be in use anytime soon. Regardless, our hands are tied and there is nothing more we can do.
We would firstly like to thank each and every member! Your continuous support throughout the years and especially during the tough past months (and days) has made for one incredible journey. We are devastated that it has come to this, but we thank each and every one of you.
There are a few rumours that we would like to clarify first before we get down to business. Over the past 5 years, we have invested more than +-R6,5 million in renovations, upgrading, safety precautions and a further R1,6 million+ in replacing damaged equipment due to lack of proper maintenance from Stellenbosch Municipality. Van Der Stel Sportsclub received more than R8 million in rent from Perfect Health, without delivering their financial responsibilities towards the Municipality. During this time we received continuous support from the SSRA and Stellenbosch Municipality.
Freda Kemp, Chairperson of Van Der Stel Sportsclub gave us verbal permission to reallocate our rent to the maintenance of the facility. Perfect Health Stellenbosch has also offered to settle the outstanding amount to avoid eviction, but our offer was denied. We depended on the municipality to pull through when the time came. Yes, we were aware of the legal implications and possible eviction. But this didn't stop us from fighting and challenging each and every verdict received. Perfect Health Stellenbosch was paying +- R100 000 a month rent. Van Der Stel Sportsclub is paying the municipality R400 a year. R400. A year.
Again, taking (empty) promises in to account that when it would come to eviction, the Stellenbosch Municipality will intervene. Needless to say, the time is here and they have turned their backs completely, avoiding any and all responsibility and in return supporting the Van Der Stel Sportsclub agenda. No, we did not lead our members on for our own personal financial gains. Please keep in mind, yes - you are losing your gym contract. But other businesses are also affected 27 people are losing their jobs. The past five years, we had to suffer the loss of many clients due to unbearable facilities, while taking the cost of maintenance in our own hands and dealing with damaged equipment, up to the point where it wasn't possible to depend on insurance. Regardless, we fought hard and can honestly say, we did everything we could!
The question everyone is asking. Memberships and fees. Just to clarify, the last maintenance fee deducted was for the past years maintenance, not the upcoming year. NO FURTHER DEDUCTIONS WILL BE MADE FROM ANYONE’S ACCOUNT. Memberships will be frozen, effective immediately. Memberships can be transferred to Perfect Health Soneike, Organic Fitness Grabouw or Organic Fitness Hermanus. The respective owners of these clubs have offered to take over your memberships. We are grateful for their support and will assist those wanting to switch with the process. Of course we have immense debt to cover and loyal and hardworking staff to financially support during this tough time. Long lasting members, members who have paid upfront or recently joined can submit their claims against Cape Perfect Health CC, any money left will be paid after all claims. No further debit orders will be run. We were hoping for sufficient time to get our affairs in order, notify our members and not be tossed out like dogs - for what it's worth, we sincerely apologise that you had to go through this with us.
We truly valued your business and support and given the opportunity and/or new business premises, Perfect Health Stellenbosch will certainly explore the option to return to Stellenbosch to offer you the service of affordable and excellent gym facilities as we have tried to do over the years. We cannot apologise enough or thank you for your support. We hope to see you in better conditions again soon!
For further information or inquiries, please make use of the following details. All queries must please be directed to below. We will not be responding to any social media queries.
Municipality Details:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Perfect Health Details:
[email protected]
