Meet ‘Miss Tee’, the community leader getting Stinkwater residents moving with free aerobics classes

In Stinkwater, north of Pretoria, a community leader named Khaohelo Tshabalala, known affectionately as 'Miss Tee', has transformed her local area with free aerobics classes. Every weekend, Tshabalala leads a gathering of up to 100 children, teenagers, and women at Refentse Primary School. Initially starting the classes to combat her own postnatal depression following the birth of her fourth child, Tshabalala found that the activity also benefited others in her community grappling with anxiety and mental health issues.

Tshabalala, who has no formal training as a fitness instructor, began the aerobics classes in May of this year. The first outdoor class took place at the school, marking the first phase of what she initially envisioned as a personal initiative. On busy days, the classes draw more than a hundred participants, with the majority being women, followed by teenagers and younger children.

The school offers its grounds free of charge, allowing community members to exercise without cost. After each session, Batho Le Kutlwano, a local organization, provides participants with a small meal, fruit, and bottled water. Tshabalala herself credits the club for improving her mental health, stating that her low mental state significantly improved since establishing the club.

One regular participant, Selina Motlholo, a 59-year-old grandmother of four, travels about 10km to attend the classes. She has become fitter since joining and has lost weight, no longer requiring chronic medication for high blood pressure or high blood sugar levels. Another participant, 48-year-old Angelina Morudu, also joined for health benefits, noting that the classes have helped her improve her ability to climb steps and bend down.

Younger residents, such as 9-year-old Kebadiretse Sebata, are also joining in, using the classes as a way to stay active and avoid getting into trouble. For Tshabalala, the aerobics club has gone beyond her initial intentions, evolving into a vibrant and growing community gathering.