“GIVE me a chance to prove myself. Change your mind about disabled persons, you do not need to pick me up, I can pick up my own wheelchair, because I am strong.”
Macethandile “Max” Kulati (33) might be a paraplegic and unemployed, but he also is a capable single parent of three boys, motivated powerlifting champion and recently started with body building and already has shown to be a strong competitor.
“When I am in the gym, I am in my place of heaven. Here I feel strong and motivated,” said Max. Whilst employed at a well-known butchery in Gqeberha, Max in an unfortunate incident during 2014 fell and two weeks later his left leg started to feel numb.
“Doctors told me that there was a growth in my spine which affected my nervous system. Although I underwent medical procedures, my nervous system was damaged, and I was left paralyzed from my waist down.
“After the accident I was very skinny and decided to start exercising. I bought myself two 2.5kg dumbbells and when I saw how quickly my muscles developed, I decided to join a gym. During 2017 I started with weightlifting and a year later moved to powerlifting,” said Max.
His path soon crossed with Elizabeth Berry from Cape Recife School, who currently is his powerlifting coach.
“I won my first ever powerlifting competition in 2018 in the U/72kg competition and thereafter I won every other competition I participated in. During 2020 I earned my EP colours in bench press.”
Invited to international bodybuilding competition
Last weekend Max participated in his first ever International Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (IBFF) competition for disabled athletes and on Saturday he will be heading to Mossel Bay, where it will be his second bodybuilding competition to show off his muscles.
“I’ve received very good news. The president of IBFF has invited me to participate in an international bodybuilding competition which will be hosted in Johannesburg on 17 October. This is very exciting, but unfortunately I do not have the financial backing and am looking for sponsorships to be able to participate in this event.”
Max needs to pay for his own travelling, transport, affiliation, accommodation, and food.
“I really want to go there. I love this sport and it is an opportunity of a lifetime. And I stand the chance of receiving my pro-card if I can compete in Johannesburg.”
Real inspiration to many
Lonwabo Nene met Max Kulati in Kariega’s Metro Gym three years ago. Since then, their friendship has become as strong as their muscles.
“The first time I saw Bra Max – funny enough – I heard him. He is a great soul all round and was training with a group, yelling some motivational words like ‘let’s go buddy … lightweight this … you can do it.’
“Even before I knew his story, I could tell that this man certainly has been through a lot, but still is persevering through life and is never afraid to put himself out there and challenge himself.
“He is a real inspiration to many. You see the effect he has whenever he enters the gym. He has helped me to realize my true potential in everything I do in life. He has really made an impact on me, and I hope that many get to know him and follow his incredible journey,” said Lonwabo.
As a paraplegic Max completed public administration learnership and was employed as a CCTV control room operator at Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in 2016. It was a job he liked very much, but unfortunately it was only a six-month contract.
“I am good at admin work and as a breadwinner want to give my boys the best I can. Therefore, I am not only sweating in the gym, but also trying my best to get employment and earn an income. My three boys are my inspiration to achieve the best in life.
“As long as I am alive and I can push myself, I shall strive for the best,” said Max.
Max wishes to thank Intsimbi Fitness Group for their support as well as his mother, Nosakhelungu, for her support. Especially as she helps him to raise his three boys of whom he is very proud, namely Someleze, Asive and Simamkele.
- Businesses or individuals who might be able to assist Max with sponsorship to attend the IBFF bodybuilding competition in Johannesburg may contact him at 063 863 8635.
