The Maties Gymnasium (Gym) plays a pivotal role in promoting health and physical fitness for the locals in Stellenbosch and Tygerberg. Through their commitment to developing healthy minds and bodies, the two Maties Gyms situated in Coetzenburg, Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Medical Campus, provides a holistic experience that is separate to the traditional academic and leisure activities for which Stellenbosch, and Tygerberg respectively, is known. Their facilities include high performance and cardiovascular training equipment, an Olympic size outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a recovery centre, an indoor circuit track as well as a kiosk. The Maties Gym is not an average gymnasium, the state-of-the-art amenities allow athletes to train and recover in a modern, well-managed environment. It also provides a safe and secure space for SU students, staff and other community members to take care of their physical health.
For the past 11 years, Francois Kotze has been in the driving seat of Maties Gym. “The gym caters for everyone – from the beginner to the elite athlete. It covers a big space and has many training areas to accommodate members’ different needs,” says Kotze. Group exercise classes include Aqua, Body Conditioning, Bootcamp, Cycle, Rise & Grind, step classes, Pilates, Latin Fusion, Boxing, Yoga and Zumba (all available only at the Stellenbosch facility). High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and express workout classes are available at the Tygerberg facility. “During the past decade, I have learned to trust the process. Small steps in the right direction make a substantial difference over time,” continues Kotze.
Prior to spinning out as a company wholly owned by SU in 2006, Maties Gym was a department of the University within Commercial Services. When they first started operating as a company it was trading as Stellenbosch University Sports Performance Institute (SUSPI). Later, in 2015, it was rebranded to Maties Gymnasium under new management. The gym has undergone many significant changes since it was originally established in the late 80’s, but the location has remained the same. Today there are 37 dedicated, permanent employees and the gym receives approximately 2000 visitors on a daily basis.
Business philosophy and company values
Maties Gym offers a range of products and services for everyone, irrespective of fitness level. They have a dedicated high-performance gymnasium, an all-access area for those with physical impairments as well as recovery facilities. The location lends itself to outdoor training as well.
“We aim to be an all-inclusive health hub where everyone is welcome” continues Kotze.
Highlights and challenges
Appointing all staff permanently with benefits has been a massive accomplishment for Kotze and his team. “We compete successfully in the commercial fitness market, are sustainable and create a space where everyone feels welcome,” says Kotze. “Though access to sufficient finances to ensure long-term longevity is one of our main challenges and aims, we ultimately want to re-invest any surplus funds back into the business. For example, we have undertaken and completed extensive refurbishment projects every year since 2015,” mentioned Kotze.
Maties Gym will celebrate its 10th anniversary as a private company in 2025 – a massive milestone achieved with the support of Stellenbosch University and Innovus. Prospective members can book a personal tour with one of their consultants or browse the facilities through a virtual tour on their website. SU students receive 15% discount, SU staff and SU Group of Companies staff are eligible for 25% discount.
More great news is that Tygerberg students can also now register and sign-up for student memberships completely online.
Reach out here:
Stellenbosch
Tygerberg