Sinethemba Ngwaleni, from Lurhasini Administrative Area in Nyandeni Local Municipality, made his village proud with third place in the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation South African National Challenge.
Ngwaleni said he was elated with his win, despite having the pressure of being in competition with people who had sponsors while he had none.
“For the competition, I had to have R8 000 for a month which included food and supplements.
“Bodybuilding changed my life for the better. I used to drink a lot because I had nothing better to do,” Ngwaleni said.
He said he had been motivated by a friend, Andile Marhasi, who had since passed away. Ngwaleni started bodybuilding in 2015, and two years later started entering competitions. Ngwaleni is also a bodybuilding OR Tambo champ.
“Bodybuilding taught me to be disciplined and to be humble, and in my journey through this competition I learned that no matter how difficult situations may seem, fight for what you love and believe in. Stay focused and never let people tell you what you can achieve or change you,” he said.
