In the heart of Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, an unlikely fitness revolution is taking place amidst the solemnity of a cemetery. At dawn, Nelly Mutandwa, a 65-year-old resident, sets aside her nightwear for sporty attire and heads to this unusual workout venue. The cemetery, often associated with rest, is now a place of vibrant energy, thanks to the Commandos Fitness Club.
Surrounded by rows of graves, this group engages in energetic sessions of squats, lunges, and stretches, accompanied by lively tunes that break the cemetery’s usual silence. For Mutandwa, these daily exercises are more than a routine—they're a lifeline against diabetes. As she points towards the graves, she remarks, They are resting. I don’t want to join them just yet.
Zimbabwe faces a significant challenge with the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Limited access to fitness facilities pushes many residents, particularly the elderly, to seek creative alternatives for maintaining their health. Be it along highways or disused railway lines, Zimbabweans are finding ways to stay active.
Globally, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs are the leading cause of death, accounting for 74% of annual fatalities. In Zimbabwe, these diseases cause about 40% of deaths yearly. The scenario is set to shift even more dramatically by 2030, with NCDs surpassing communicable diseases like HIV and malaria as the leading health threat in sub-Saharan Africa.
Previously considered an issue for the elderly, these lifestyle diseases are increasingly affecting younger populations. Dr. Johannes Marisa, a health expert in Harare, attributes this trend to sedentary lifestyles marked by excessive screen time, poor diets, and rising substance abuse. The availability of fast food is further exacerbating the problem, particularly in urban centers where franchises vie for market share.
As part of efforts to curb this trend, Zimbabwe's Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube introduced a 0.5% tax on certain fast food items in the 2025 budget, aiming to encourage healthier dietary habits among the population.
Meanwhile, Mutandwa and her fellow fitness enthusiasts embrace physical activity as a pathway to health. Led by coach Joseph Nekati, who was inspired by his mother’s health struggles, the Commandos Fitness Club offers a free community for exercise. With around 20 members, including eight seniors, this informal group represents a growing movement among Zimbabwe's elderly to reclaim their health.
Members like Susan Gomo, a 64-year-old grandmother, have already witnessed significant health improvements. I weighed 189 pounds and could barely stand up without effort, she recalls. Now, having shed 22 pounds, she celebrates her ability to walk long distances with ease.
The presence of such fitness activities within the cemetery not only serves the physical needs of its members but also inspires others to get involved. Many of my contemporaries are hesitant, Gomo notes. When they see me in good shape, they might reconsider their stance.
Mutandwa’s own journey began abroad in 2022 during a visit to her daughter in the UK, where she picked up the habit of power walking. Upon returning to Zimbabwe, she sought safer and more practical venues than the crowded and potholed roads of her township. Discovering the Commandos Fitness Club in the cemetery, she found both a community and a conducive environment for her walks.
For these fitness enthusiasts, the cemetery is more than just a backdrop—it's a symbol of life and the determination to outpace death. As they hope for more structured facilities in the future, their story resonates as a testament to the power of health-driven community efforts in overcoming challenges.
