Nomadic Gym Logo

About Nomadic Gym

Transforming rural communities through accessible fitness and wellness programs

Our Story

The concept was developed in 2020, provoked by the frustration of COVID-19 virus resulting in the closing of most gyms.

A young South African business student studying at the Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus and fitness enthusiast, Nandi Ngubane, thought of a way of solving this problem with her sister Nolwazi Ngubane, whom she would often work out with online while she completed her Degree in Industrial Psychology at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa.

They developed the concept of a Nomadic Gym - a gym that goes with you, offering value for price. Nandi ran with it and started off by running a small fitness boot camp for university students in Cyprus in open fields. She provided her members with skipping ropes, resistance bands and yoga mats, training international students from across the world and bridging the gap of cultural differences through fitness.

Returning to South Africa upon completion of her degree in 2022, she joined forces with her sister and pivoted into making gym and fitness accessible within rural areas, seeking to uplift communities. Upon the realization that not all working middle class can afford a monthly gym fee, or always have access to a gym, our portable gym product line was developed, with fitness in a box, and our fitness hub website.

Our Value Proposition aligns with:

  • Key deliverables in the National Sport and Recreation Plan (NSRP)
  • Provincial Growth and Development Plan (PGDP)
  • SASCOC guidelines
  • The Paris Agreement for Sport and sustainable development

We exist to eliminate all constraints on one's sport, fitness and health journey, from the traveling businesswoman/man to the stay-at-home dad/mom all the way to your students and active kids.

Challenges We Address

Limited Access

Rural communities lack gyms and recreational centers, which are predominantly found in urban areas.

Safety Concerns

Children often drown crossing rivers to school because they don't know how to swim - 600 children annually in KZN alone.

Financial Barriers

Working-class citizens who desire to workout cannot afford expensive monthly gym contracts.

Mental Health Crisis

Poor mental health and emotional wellbeing due to lack of psychosocial support systems and healthy outlets.

Our Solution

Mobile & Accessible Wellness

Unlike traditional gyms fixed in urban areas, Nomadic Gym brings fitness, sports coaching, and health services directly to underserved rural communities.

Integrated Wellness Approach
Youth-Owned and Operated
Community Leadership Development
Holistic Health Education
Jojo Tank and Pool

Water Safety

Resistance Bands

Strength Training

Gym Mat

Flexibility

Water Bottle

Hydration

Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission

We do more than build muscle, we build leaders, break stigmas and empower communities through accessible fitness solutions that transform lives and strengthen rural areas.

Our Vision

To create a world where fitness and wellness are accessible to everyone, regardless of location or economic status, fostering stronger, healthier communities across South Africa.

Meet Our Team

Expert trainers with proven track records in sports and community development

Nandi Ngubane

Nandi Ngubane

Co-founder & CEO

Honours in business and commercial operations experience. Honours Business Degree. Commercial Operations Expert.

Nolwazi Ngubane

Nolwazi Ngubane

Co-founder & COO

Industrial psych degree and Project management with key account management experience.

Van Zyl Jacobs

Van Zyl Jacobs

Chief Financial Officer

Qualified CASA with expertise in ROI strategy. Qualified CASA. ROI Strategy Specialist.

Lele Ndakisa

Lele Ndakisa

Managing Director

Honours in quantity surveying and regional manager experience. Honours in Quantity Surveying. Regional Manager Experience.

Karmen Labuschagne

Karmen Labuschagne

Sports Scientist & Advisor

Performance specialist, certified personal trainer, and sports nutrition expert. Certified Personal Trainer. Sports Nutrition Expert.

Ayanda Thabethe

Ayanda Thabethe

Dietitian Specialist

BSC in dietetics and human nutrition. BSC in Dietetics. Human Nutrition Specialist.

Mbali Ngubane

Mbali Ngubane

M & E Officer

Purpose-driven leader with expertise in impact measurement and strategic analytics. Skilled in research psychology and development outcomes evaluation. Impact Measurement. Data Analysis Specialist.

Nolwazi Zondi

Nolwazi Zondi

Certified Yoga Instructor

Professional yoga instructor & former SA Hockey squad member. Specializes in wellness and flexibility training, bringing mindfulness and holistic health to rural communities. Mindfulness Specialist. Flexibility Training.

Adjoa Ncama

Adjoa Ncama

Netball Coach

Elite netball player & certified coach with 15+ years experience. Expert in team sports and youth development programs, passionate about building leadership through sport. Elite Netball Player. Youth Development Expert.

Nomnikelo Veto

Nomnikelo Veto

Olympian & Advisor

Tokyo Olympics athlete from Gqeberha, Walmar Township. Former SA u-21 team member and Italian Series A1 player. Elite-level training expertise. Tokyo Olympics Athlete. Elite Training Specialist.

Our Values

The principles that guide everything we do

Community First

We prioritize community needs and work together to create lasting positive change.

Accessibility

Making fitness and wellness accessible to everyone, regardless of location or income.

Innovation

Continuously developing creative solutions to overcome traditional barriers.

Empowerment

Building confidence, leadership skills, and healthy lifestyles in every community we serve.