Gym benefit rejoining fee

I have been a Discovery member for many years (health, vitality, Insure) and used the gym benefit for as many years, and was Virgin member for even longer than that. I had to cancel my gym membership for personal reason last year (I first tried to pause it which they would not allow, stating I van only pause for 30 days!!??, and then forced me to cancel as I needed more than 30 days). Now I want to rejoin and Discovery is charging me R1800+ to rejoin. The fact that I have paid this joining fee the 1st time seems to count for zero, no discount for long term members that used the benefit for many years even! Discovery claims they are a health provider, but adding stress to someones life and then denying them the opportunity to be active and healthy! Does not make sense to me!!! I was even willing to sign a 2 year national membership, and ask if they might have a payment plan...all my requests were shrugged off.

Dont think its fair your charge a 100% rejoining fee for long time customer and one that used the benefit and paid the joining fee before!!

Regards, Denver