When we first met Tumi Masite, he wasn’t behind a desk or inside his gym — he was in the yard, feeding and playfully sparring with his well-trained dog. The bond between them was instant proof of the discipline, consistency, and heart that Tumi brings into every corner of his life.

Tumi founded Kasi Gym in Alexandra as more than just a business venture — it is his mission to improve the health and well-being of his community. His gym welcomes people of all ages, serving as a space for physical transformation, mentorship, and health awareness. He operates with a philanthropic approach, driven not by profit alone but by a deep desire for impact. In a township where health issues too often go undetected or untreated, his work is about more than exercise.

Tumi’s story does not end in the gym — it spills onto the streets of Alexandra, quite literally. He is also a well-regarded township artist, and his murals stretch along the road that leads to the local heritage museum, transforming the street into a living gallery. Tourists walking past the museum find themselves drawn in by his bold colours and emotive depictions of township life. His art is not just an income stream; it is cultural preservation, storytelling and entrepreneurship in vivid colour.

Although tourism in the area has slowed down in recent years, Tumi remains hopeful. “There is no progress in the tourism space,” he says, “but one day I hope this street will become our very own Vilakazi Street filled with tourists.” That vision fuels both his creative and business pursuits — to turn Alexandra into a destination known not for its struggles, but for its talent, resilience and innovation.

With two powerful platforms — fitness and art — Tumi is an example of multidimensional entrepreneurship, a common feature of informal entrepreneurial ecosystems. His biggest current hurdle is client retention, as modern gym franchises begin to enter the area with more polished facilities. But for Tumi, competition is not discouragement — it’s motivation. His dream is to build a high-class gym right in the heart of Alex: a world-class training haven where health enthusiasts from every corner of Johannesburg will one day come to sweat, connect and be inspired.