Gym Company review: Surely they can't just do that? 1

There was a gym at oakfields shopping center in benoni called 25fit. I signed a contract with them and shortly after they were taken over by gym company. I was never asked to sign a new contract with gym company and as far as i'm aware my contract is still with 25fit.

On the evening of 25th january 2021, I received an sms stating that the gym would be closing down as of the 29th january 2021.

And that's it the gym is either giving you the choice of going to their sister branch in boksburg (too far to drive) or you have to pay your contract out.
I have friends that have spoken with the regional manager and he said tough you either drive or pay your contract out. And if we dare not he will blacklist you. There is no understanding here and there was no notice given. Even if you did cancel your contract before they closed on the 29th, you were forced to pay a month's notice.

Kindly please assist?
I feel like the gym company's actions are nothing short of criminal and surely they can be held accountable.