Sage Gymnastics club is changing the lives of children in Soweto  

Sage Gymnastics previously Operated as Lelethu Started in Soweto by Fikile Jaxa, did well under her leadership with over 60 kids and did well in provincial, national and had a privilege to participate in competitions in Zimbabwe and Namibia and was a beacon of hope for Jennifer Mdluli when she found out she could be a gymnast, finally found what she loved and what represented her as an individual, at Sage Gymnastics we recently had the urge to start again and we reobranded as Sage which has 3 branches already two in Soweto and Bedfordview, already in Soweto we have had an influx of over 80 kids coming in for try outs and the Incredible Gymnastics Week, which was aimed at introducing gymnastics to the grassroots and creating awareness around the sports, because it is a very unique  and beautiful sport.

The biggest challenge faced by gymnasts and grassroots clubs like ours is that the sports can be very expensive and for children in underprivileged communities and homes like in Soweto parents may struggle to keep up with the sport, as there would be an influx of competitions which require each individual to have their own apparatus ( ball, hoop, ribbon, clubs, rope ) depending on their level abd a competition kit which entails a leotard a( costume worn to compete ) depending on which level of competition club competitions you require to have a club leotard and tracksuit and provincial requires the provincial leotard and tracksuit, Which don't come cheap and and top of that competition fees or entry fees and competitions takes places in different venues and out of the province and all those costs need to be covered by the parents. 

" Gymnastics is a very unique sport and I couldn't find something I loved until I did gymnastics, discipline, self motivation and independence. Well it's very difficult but we use what we have to our advantage like social media, word of mouth and we do host competitions and attend from other clubs. We hope to have a club that caters for all needs and the centre of excellence of our own that will enhance academic and sport skills, " said Jennifer 

Catering for all gymnasts needs and work on that and most importantly discipline, team work and individual attention. 

Benefits of gymnastics include both physical and mental aspects. That young athletes accomplish require disciplined training over an extended period of time.  Children in gymnastics learn social skills. The benefits of gymnastics sprawl into the classroom. Listening to instructions, taking turns, respecting authority, building friendships, and learning to work independently. • Gymnasts learn work ethic.

 • Gymnastics improves self-esteem. 
• There are many physical health benefits of gymnastics. 
• Gymnastics stimulates cognitive growth
 • Gymnastics is Fun

Meet Our Coaches

Jennifer Mdluli

• Former Rhythmic and Aerobic Gymnast and Co-Founder 
of Sage Gymnastics
Awards and Recognition
• 2016- Coach and Junior Judge of the Year Central 
Gauteng
• 2015- Coach and Judge of the Year Rhythmic Gymnastics
• 2014- Jr Coach and Judge of the Year –
Rhythmic Gymnastics
• 2013- Runner up Gymnast of the Year –
Rhythmic Gymnastics
• 2013- Senior gymnast of the Year
• 2012- Level 8 Gymnast of the Year –Rhythmic 
Gymnastics
• 2011- Runner up Level 6 Gymnast of Year
• 2009- Runner Up Level 4 Gymnast of the Year

Fikile Jaxa

• Former Artistic, Rhythmic and Tumbling Gymnast 
and Co-Founder of Sage Gymnastics.
Awards and Recognition
• 2016- Coach and Junior Judge of the Year Central Gauteng
• 2015 – Central Gauteng Coach of the Year - Juniors 
(Aerobic Gymnastics)
• 2014 – Central Gauteng Coach of the Year - Juniors 
(Aerobic Gymnastics)
• 2014 – Coach of the Year - Level 4 -7 (Rhythmic 
Gymnastics)
• 2013 – Selection as the Aerobic Gymnastics Chairperson 
for the Central Gauteng Gymnastics Association
• 2012 – Central Gauteng Coach of the Year - Level 1 till 3 
(Rhythmic Gymnastics)
• 2010- Coach at African Champs - Zimbabwe

ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2018-National Championship (Durban)
• 2017- African Championships (Namibia)
• 2016-National Colours for Rhythmic Gymnastics
• 2015- Central Gauteng Coloursfor Rhythmic Gymnastics
• 2014- South African Games (Cape Town)
• 2013- South African Gym for Life Challenge (Polokwane)
• 2012- South African Games (Northwest- Aerobic Gymnastics)
• 2011- South African Games (Gauteng)
• 2010- Central Gauteng Coloursfor Rhythmic Gymnastics

Branches

Soweto Jabulani Safe Hub 
Tladi Community Hall Legwale Street 
Bedfordview Scout Hall 

Social media @SageGymnasticsClub both IG and FB