With
only five years of powerlifting and one year of bodybuilding, Xolani Ndatya
from Cradock has trophies and medals to show – not allowing his disability to
hold him back.
Ndatya said he was inspired by his friend, Max Kulati, a wheelchair-bound
professional bodybuilder.
“I joined powerlifting in 2018 and bodybuilding in 2022. I was inspired
when I saw him (Kulati) bodybuilding while he is a disabled person because I’m
also a person with a disability,” Ndatya said.
The Cradock-born and bred muscle man suffered a spinal injury in 2008 and
now uses a crutch to help him walk.
Ndatya enjoys both powerlifting and bodybuilding and on Saturday, September
16, he won second place in a bodybuilding competition at Gold Reef City,
Johannesburg.
He has been getting a lot of support from his wife who also prepares his
meals.
“Initially my wife did not support me. However, now she understands my
passion for bodybuilding and supports me. She sees my results and achievements.
I am a disciplined person and focus on what I want,” he said.
Ndatya said powerlifting requires him to have a bulk body while
bodybuilding requires him to cut down on fat and show muscle.
