Is Richard Branson’s Virgin Active Health Club becoming a racism hot spot?

‘Racism pattern emerging’
 Virgin Active health club came under verbal attack on a Social networking service yesterday after reports of another racism incident, this time at a Pretoria-based branch.

JOHANNESBURG – Virgin Active health club came under verbal attack on a Social networking service yesterday after reports of another racism incident, this time at a Pretoria-based branch.

“Virgin Active is becoming a racism hot spot,” Twitter user, George Chibamba posted.

Another user, Phumlani Nkalanga posted: “Too many racism incidents at Virgin Active.”

“Another racism incident… this is getting out of hand,” Mazizi posted.

The latest case was last Tuesday at a Hatfield gym where a member, Brian Maluleke, was allegedly spat on by a white gym member.

Maluleke, 23, told City Press when he asked the man why he spat on him he “rudely” replied: “It was a mistake.”

An astonished Twitter user, Pulane tweeted: “Again? 3rd time in 3 months? I see a pattern.”

Pulane further posted:  “Do something” on Virgin Group founder, Richard Branson’s Twitter account, to the support of other users including Zovuyo Mputa who posted: “Branson must do something about Virgin Active gyms in SA ASAP.”

The alleged incident was  the third reported in four months.

The other incidents were in December 2011 and in February.

In February at a Morningside gym, Liz Hleza was called a “bloody k*****, a cockroach and a selfish bitch” by a white man.

As criticism against the club continued on Twitter, Dez Nhleko posted: “basically black people get mistreated at Virgin Active” and Johanna Mogoeng tweeted: “… I think you should cancel your membership there…”

Maluleke was reported to have said he was scared to go back.

In each case, members  behind racism  were reportedly suspended.

Dineo Rabaholo suggested more action and tweeted: “the guy must press (criminal) charges!”