Sometimes we don’t end up where we aim to when we start. Sometimes success is more of an evolution. Just ask Zanele Salman, founder and owner of Athi Health & Fitness, the newest addition to SOKO District in Rosebank Mall.

Once Zanele Salman had completed a BSc honours degree in Chemistry, her various roles working for listed corporates brought with them opportunities to travel internationally. It was during her travels that she was exposed to many global clothing brands, and this astute businesswoman identified several gaps in the South African retail space - including one for fun, exciting activewear and tailored leisure/casual wear.

“In 2018, I founded Isibani-ci, an investor relations and business development advisory firm. I am also an avid runner, having completed two back-to-back Comrades ultra-marathons and I am passionate about health and wellness. This passion combined with skills I developed while working in the corporate sector have been key in ensuring the success of Athi Health and Fitness so far,” Zanele says of her journey to becoming an entrepreneur.

She founded Athi Health and Fitness in 2020, based on an idea that has evolved and morphed several times in the past decade as she has tried her hand at several ventures. Athi is her daughter’s first name, and to their family the name means ‘gratitude’. The brand is also inspired by her daughter’s personality… according to Zanele she is bold, sassy, smart and a born leader. She’s also very gentle, kind, sensitive and has a great creative streak!

When asked how she would describe her business to a potential client, Zanele says this is an African premium fitness, lifestyle and experience brand which is Proudly South African as all their products are designed and manufactured in South Africa. She maintains that physical activity impacts how we live and our ability to compete and succeed in life. The right fitness attire for that physical activity needs to fit well and have cooling properties which can prevent injury, minimise restriction, regulate and control body temperature, improve performance, boost confidence and improve motivation. You could say her scientific background is woven into the fabric of Athi Health and Fitness.

The brand stands for:

Athi is colourful, bold and expressive and does not compromise on quality, functionality and comfort!

The brand supplies high quality, durable activewear for running, gym, hiking and yoga as well as well-tailored casual wear for leisure time. What really sets this brand apart is the bespoke and personalised service to those who need and require something out of the ordinary.

Zanele’s vigour and wholehearted belief in her brand is evident when she speaks about it: “We promote and enable health and fitness for all through various fun and convenient activities as well as sharing insightful and valuable knowledge. Our goal is to enable all our clients to look good with clothing that fits comfortably and has functionality. We are passionate about health and fitness! And we love colour! Our tribe consists of individuals who are active, driven, playful, self-assured and love to have fun. Those who exercise to keep fit and healthy, take pride in how they look, feel and present themselves.”

Since its inception almost two short years ago, AthiHF has set their apparel apart from most local activewear brands by not only operating successfully during a global pandemic but growing too. They have successfully hosted outdoor fitness events, grown their social media following, participated at SA Fashion Week 2021and now opened a store at a second location.

Zanele chose SOKO District because AthiHF’s brand values mirror those of SOKO. Both brands have created a strong platform from which to grow and explore new opportunities: “I love the SOKO District concept, I think it’s a great vehicle for promoting and enabling great local brands. I love the South African fashion industry and believe our unique sense of style is worth investing in. On the other hand, the South African economy needs all the help we can offer to create sustainable industries and jobs!”

Opening a new shop in SOKO District at Rosebank Mall was not only a brand fit (pun intended) but it also made sense from a business perspective – a flexible leasing platform coupled with the completely customisable space SOKO District offers based on each individual retailer’s needs is a no-brainer. We would like to encourage any local brand to visit www.sokodistrict.com for more information on the amazing offer, for brands that are looking for quality over quantity, SOKO District offers the perfect solution – register on the website today and become part of the SOKO District platform! And if you want to recommend a brand that fits the SOKO ethos, you can do that via the website too!

What does the future hold for Athi Health and Fitness? Zanele has her sights set on becoming the preferred health and fitness lifestyle brand in South Africa through the supply of quality activewear, well-tailored leisure wear and fitness lifestyle elements. The ultimate goal is to have a thriving, impactful and sustainable business, create employment and contribute to the growth of the country.

The Fun Stuff… with Zanele Salman 

Can’t live without item?
Two things, my mobile phone and running shoes!

Pet hate?
Dishonesty

What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I’m a scientist and marketer rolled into one. My first degree was in Chemistry and Biochemistry, I worked in R&D for four years before studying Marketing Management - all my qualifications have enabled me to carve out a unique career journey for myself.

Books or movies?
Both

My happy place is…. 
Anywhere with my family.

Top of my bucket list is…
To drive a Formula 1 car!

Visit the Athi Fitness website here; or you can follow them on Instagram @athihealthfitness and Facebook @AthiHealthAndFitness.

You’ll find SOKO District located in the bustling heart of Jozi at Rosebank Mall, 50 Bath Ave, Rosebank. For more information visit the SOKO District website or watch the launch video here: https://youtu.be/9udCS_7EMPM 

NOTE: All Covid protocols are in place.

SOKO District at Rosebank Mall Operating Hours:

SOKO District is operational under the adjusted Level 1 restrictions:

Mon – Thurs: 9am – 6pm | Fri: 9am – 7pm | Sat, Sun and Public holidays: 9am – 5pm

Get Social: Follow SOKO District on Instagram @sokodistrict or keep up to date with their latest news on Facebook @sokodistrict. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #SOKODistrict #LoveLocal #SupportLocal when you are sharing your SOKO District experiences.

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DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF SOKO District by ANGELFISH PR & EVENTS. All media queries can be directed to Annie Hodes on 083 325 4445 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

About SOKO District
You’ll find SOKO District at the centre of all the action in Rosebank Mall – in the bustling heart of the Jozi. This location resonates with SOKO District’s pillar principle of creating a regenerative space, a space that encourages constant movement towards fresh ideas.

We are a 100% South African-owned, and we keep our carefully selected shop-fitting materials local as far as possible. Sustainable sourcing and recyclability also play pivotal roles in our processes – from our exclusive and patented mechanisms to our electronic and lighting systems.

Technology is a vehicle for improving the quality and sustainability of the community we live in. Our drive towards innovation – the continual hunt for solutions towards improvement – puts us in a unique position to supply SOKO District retailers with the best and latest technologies. Zero harm. Ecologically sound. 

Sustainability
Each brand within SOKO District has a completely customisable space which means customers can easily find and recognise their favourite store. From a shop-fitting perspective, nothing goes to waste. Even shop branding is carefully recycled into stylish shopping bags after use.