The sport unit within the Student Services Department (SSD) at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) is excited to announce that there is newly installed state-of-art gym equipment at the King Bhekuzulu Hall gym.

To top this off, the facilities also got a substantial makeover, with fresh paintwork and new flooring.

The renovations of the gym were budgeted for in 2020 and the initial plan was to ensure that the gym was revamped, but with the advent of Covid-19, implementation had to be put on hold.

During the recent launch of the new gym, Takalani Mfamadi , the sports administrator, recognised administrators, together with faculty and staff members, who were involved in the planning and design stages of the refurbishment project. She expressed his gratitude towards them as they had been “patient, thoughtful, eager and supportive throughout the renovations”. She also pointed out that the renovated gym will help better promote the concept of wellness.

“It was when we returned to work in June when Itumeleng Moagi, who is a sport administrator, had an idea of taking matters into our own hands and renovate the place ourselves. Since all the sports activities are cancelled for the year due to the pandemic, it made sense to utilise the time and renovate.  We sat down and planned what we needed to work on, who we would need assistance from to make it a success and what our vision for the gym was. The planning that we had done prior to the starting of the renovations ensured that we did not face any challenges. All that we envisioned for the gym was a success, although there are still a few things we need to finish off and touch ups to be made,” said Mfamadi.

Dr Musa Mathunjwa and Nomfundo Nxele from Human Movement Science (HMS) assisted with identifying and sponsoring machines and equipment that was no longer in use in their department.

“The gym is primarily for students as it has weights only , but we are thinking of opening it up to a limited number of students doing sport too. The gym isn’t really big so we do not want to overcrowd it. The gym would not have been a success had it not also been for Mr Hlasho (Dean of Students) as well as SSD who supported us. This project is part of our ongoing commitment to invest in spaces where students can feel at home. It was a collective achievement for the renovations to take place and for the gym to eventually look the way it does now. The gym was just a start, we are hoping to have more of these refurbishments in our department and ensure that one day all our facilities are renovated and well maintained,” Concluded Moagi.

• Precious Shamase

Caption

From L-R: Itumeleng Moagi (Sports Administrator), Takalani Mfamadi (Sports Administrator), Dr Musa Mathunjwa (Lecturer).