Recent studies have shown that in South Africa, 60 percent of women there are either overweight or obese and suffer from diabetes, as well as high blood pressure. But, one 63-year-old in Tembisa Township outside Johannesburg is setting a trend in her township by showing ladies how easy it is to be healthy and fit. CGTN's Julie Scheier has more.

Tembisa - one of the many townships dotted around Johannesburg, home to tens of thousands of the poorest South Africans. Home also to Catherine Mathebe. A 63-year-old Granny shaping up a community. Mathebe travels around the country telling her weight-loss story and showcasing what her fitness club does.

CATHERINE MATHEBE FOUNDER, BOPHELONG FITNESS CLUB "I used to weigh 119 kg but now I am weighing 71.6 kg. Firstly I do this because I was suffering a lot, a burden to my family. I used not to walk properly because I had arthritis so I picked up the weight I was too big and I couldn't walk properly, and I was suffering. I suffered more than ten years. I tried many things, I tried even to play soccer, oh, but it was very sore."

Through a combination of aerobics and dance moves, Mathebe helps women keep fit and become healthier, and she does it all for free.

CATHERINE MATHEBE FOUNDER, BOPHELONG FITNESS CLUB "I started to see that this was working, now I start to do it, my friends when they come they see me and say you look nice, I start to lose weight little bit, and they ask me Catherine where have you been to the doctor? Which doctor? Because they know I have suffered many years, and I tell them no doctor, I am just doing this by myself, exercise."

Mathebe's story has inspired many. Today she has more than 60 ladies coming to her house to train.

EVA MAMETSA BOPHELONG FITNESS CLUB "I knew her when she was sick. I used to cuddle her wherever and when I saw her being able to walk on her own and losing weight. I wondered what was going on and then she said to me come and see we are exercising."

MARIA MAMPA BOPHELONG FITNESS CLUB "When I come here I was just walking as if I was pushing a wheel barrow, because I couldn't walk straight, I started in March this year then I keep on going. I don't have a scale so I don't know how many kilos I have lost but now I am very healthy."

SINBONGILE MAHLANGU BOPHELONG FITNESS CLUB "I was sick from 2015/2017 and I couldn't walk. Just look at this now, I couldn't move from my own bedroom, just a few centimetres to my bathroom, and I thank her passion, her patience for me. She has given me an opportunity that an old woman like me can go back. Yes, I am 68 but what else, thank you."

With every dance move, Catherine Mathebe ensures these ladies take less chronic disease medication and enjoy every minute of their regained health. Julie Scheier, CGTN, Tembisa Township, South Africa.