From struggles to success: Building a gymnastics club in Soweto

IOL News

18-05-2025

Onele Tyawa, 11, participated in the 2023 World Dance Competition in Gauteng. Founder Jennifer Mdluli started a gymnastics club in Soweto to nurture talent that will in future join Tyawa in representing the country on the world stage.
Image: Supplied
Growing up in a school where the only sports available to us were netball and soccer, I felt boxed into something I didn't enjoy. I didn't like netball; all girls had to play netball, and it was clear that I wasn't cut out for it.
During team selections, I always made sure to position myself at the back, hoping not to be picked. When I was chosen, I'd find myself at the goalpost or standing on the sidelines, far from the action. The ball would rarely come my way, and I hated it.
I'd make up excuses to avoid playing — telling my teammates I was sick or that my parents didn't want me playing in the sun. But deep down, I always wanted something more, something different.
I would sometimes sneak off to the soccer field to play with the boys, even though I didn't fully understand the game. The boys would often leave me behind because I wasn't skilled enough, but I didn't mind. I just enjoyed the physical activity. Still, there was no structure, no girls' team, and no girls' coach, so I often found myself feeling lost.
In high school, I faced even more challenges. I still didn't have a voice, and it seemed like I was meant to fit into the roles that were laid out for me. But then, one day, something changed. I saw rhythmic gymnastics for the first time, and it felt like a revelation. The beauty of the routines with ribbons, balls, and hoops captivated me. I thought, 'This is exactly what I want to do.' It was a sport that seemed to align with everything I had been longing for.
A New Beginning in the Gym
The first day I stepped into the gym, I felt something I had never experienced before — a deep sense of purpose. Gymnastics quickly became my passion. However, it wasn't until I started ranking and moving up through the levels that I truly understood how demanding the sport could be. The physical challenges were tough, but I was determined. I doubled my training sessions and made sure every moment I had was dedicated to improving.
But even as my skills grew, I often faced internal battles. I would look at the more advanced girls—thinner, taller — and I'd think, I don't belong here. The doubt would creep in. I struggled with feelings of inadequacy, especially when I saw only tall, slim girls, mostly white, standing on the podium. It stung. But when I saw one of our girls up there, my heart melted. It was a moment of pure pride. It made me believe that maybe I, too, could make it to the podium one day.
When our team made it to the podium, we didn't just stop there. We would walk out of the competition venue with our medals clinking on our necks. You could imagine us—matching tracksuits, walking home as the stars of our community. We carried our medals like trophies, and it wasn't just about the victory. We had made our club, Lelethu Gymnastics, proud.
We had made our coach, Fikile Jaxa, proud. We made our parents, our community, our schools, and most importantly, ourselves, proud. We did all of this despite the noise, the negativity that gymnastics was a 'white girls' sport,' a 'rich girls' sport.' Yet, we stepped foot on those podiums, made our names heard, and proved that we belonged. It was a testament to our resilience and determination. We showed everyone that we were more than capable, and we were just getting started.
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The Power of Pride and Hard Work
Being on the podium brought so much pride to our club. We had worked so hard, and it paid off—we started ranking among the best. None of this would've been possible without our amazing coach, Fikile Jaxa.
She gave so much of herself to see us succeed. She didn't just coach us in skills; she instilled confidence and belief in us. Because of her, we travelled through the sport to places I never imagined I'd reach. It was incredible to have something to be proud of, and it fueled my desire to keep pushing. The Mental Game
It wasn't just about physical strength; gymnastics required a deep mental focus, one I had to constantly check and strengthen. I faced a lot of mental challenges, too. But I worked through them, and over time, I moved through the levels at a pace I hadn't expected. Those four years were some of the best of my life. They weren't without their struggles, but they shaped me into someone who believed in herself, even when it was tough. The Shift: From Athlete to Coach
As I grew in the sport, my journey took a new turn — I eventually started coaching. Being on the other side of the equation, helping others achieve what I once did, gave me a sense of fulfilment I hadn't anticipated. It wasn't just about teaching skills anymore. It was about inspiring others, helping them see the potential within themselves, just as I had learned to do. Coaching opened my eyes to just how much my coach had done for me and the team.
The financial strain of gymnastics was something I had never fully understood until I was in charge of coaching a group of young athletes. My coach had made so many sacrifices, paying for leotards, apparatus, and competition fees out of her pocket. It was a hard realisation for me, but it taught me the importance of paying it forward.
I began coaching in three different clubs, gaining valuable experience in helping both younger and more advanced gymnasts. The challenges were evident: we often had to share leotards, and the lack of proper equipment was a constant issue.
There were times when we couldn't afford to attend competitions, and my coach would step in to cover the costs. But even with these struggles, I saw how much gymnastics had shaped me. It gave me confidence, discipline, and a desire to keep improving.
Every time I went to a competition and saw only white athletes on the podium, I doubted myself — was I not good enough? But when a fellow black gymnast made it to the podium, I would cheer the loudest, proud to see one of us succeed.
Jennifer Mdluli is a passionate radio broadcaster, Head coach and Founder of Emerald Gymnastics Club, and facilitator dedicated to youth and community development.
Image: Jennifer Mdluli
Starting a Gymnastics Club in Soweto
A few years later, I found myself away from the sport, but the passion for gymnastics never left me. I knew I had to return. This time, however, I wanted to do something bigger. I wanted to create something that would give back to my community.
I wanted to open my own gymnastics club and provide opportunities to young athletes who might otherwise never have had the chance to try the sport. In the year 2024, I officially opened the gymnastics club in Soweto with the help of my former coach Fikile, who happens to be a very good friend of mine now, we had 10 sign ups for the year, we continued the work despite every beginning starts small and needs us to endure and always look at the bigger picture. The Open Day: A Step Forward for Gymnastics in Soweto
One of the most exciting milestones for our gymnastics club was the Open Day that we hosted on March 18th and 19th. The event marked a significant moment for our community, as it officially welcomed young athletes from various local schools and organisations to experience the sport of gymnastics. The response was overwhelming.
We had over 50 kids who tried out the session, including students from Luyolo Primary School and Jabulani Safe Hub and Tladi Community Hall. The turnout was far beyond what I had anticipated, and it was incredible to see so many eager children excited to try gymnastics for the first time. The local community in Soweto was buzzing with energy as children and parents alike came together to support this new venture.
For many of these kids, gymnastics was something they had never considered before. The lack of access to such sports in the area has meant that opportunities like this are rare. One of the most touching moments came when the principal of Luyolo Primary School shared that she had also once done gymnastics but had to stop due to the high costs associated with the sport. It was a reminder of why it's so important to create accessible spaces for young people to pursue their passions.
Financial Challenges and Struggles
Gymnastics is an expensive sport. We're dealing with high costs for equipment, leotards, and travel for competitions. It's a constant struggle, especially in a marginalised community like Soweto. The parents want their children to have the best opportunities, but they often can't afford the expenses involved in the sport.
And when competition season comes around, the financial burden only increases. Parents are shocked by the costs of required uniforms, including club tracksuits, leotards, and province-required apparel. We are doing everything we can to make it work with limited resources, but there is a lot we still need — better equipment, leotards, and more funding for competitions.
Despite all of this, the kids are excited and passionate about gymnastics. It's amazing to see their enthusiasm and dedication, and I know that with the right resources, they can reach their full potential. Looking Ahead: Growing the Club and Making an Impact
My goal for this year is to grow the club, both in numbers and in skill. I want to ensure that every child who joins the club has the opportunity to compete in competitions and continue developing their skills. I also want to introduce boys to the sport, especially in aerobic gymnastics, and create a welcoming environment for all young athletes.
The community has been incredibly supportive, and I believe that with time and effort, we can turn this club into a beacon of excellence in Soweto.
We want to ensure that the kids have access to the sport, no matter their financial background, and that they can grow into confident, disciplined individuals. Through gymnastics, I've gained so much: confidence, discipline, and the strength to fight for myself. I want to provide the same opportunities for the next generation.
I hope that, with sponsorships and community support, we can continue to grow the sport and inspire future champions in Soweto.
Cedars Gymnastics Club's Gia Georgia and Mikah Vlotman practice during the SA Gym Games at Wynberg Military Base. Achieving this level of competition for young people requires resources, hard work, and dedication.
Image: Picture: Fuad Esack
Challenges and Hope for the Future
While the excitement was palpable, the event also brought to light the financial challenges many families face.
During the tryouts, it became clear that some parents were hesitant to pay the fees because of the high costs associated with gymnastics.
For many, the struggle to pay the minimum monthly commitment fee is a constant challenge. And with competition season approaching, the costs of things like leotards, tracksuits, and travel expenses are adding another layer of concern.
But despite these financial barriers, the parents and children have been incredibly supportive. The potential for this sport in Soweto is immense. The community's enthusiasm fuels my commitment to making gymnastics more accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Jennifer Mdluli is a passionate radio broadcaster, Head coach and Founder of Emerald Gymnastics Club, and facilitator dedicated to youth and community development. She is a member of Activate!