After months of preparations, sweat and extensive training, Kariega’s disabled bodybuilder Macethandile “Max” Kulati will depart next Thursday (2 June) from Gqeberha airport via Oliver Tambo to Koper, Slovenia, to represent South Africa at the 2022 International Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation World (IBFF) Championship.
“I am ready to compete. Mongezi Mata, who assists me with training and who keeps track of my physique said he is super proud of my condition and what I have achieved through hard work and dedication,” said Max, the wheelchair bound bodybuilder champion from the impoverished Moeggesukkel, Kariega.
Mongezi who hails from Addo, is a former IBFF champion, professional bodybuilder, and mentor for many young athletes in this sport. He will also go to Slovenia to participate in the world championships.
“The community’s support throughout all our fundraising efforts was powerful. I thank each and everybody who contributed and made it possible for me to represent South Africa in Slovenia. But the support from local companies and businesses was extremely poor.
“Ironically, those who do not have a lot came on board to help me achieve my dream. But those that have it all were not willing to assist.”
However, the executive chairperson of Epworth Minerals in Gauteng, Welcome Sandawana, came to hear about Max’s plea and was willing to sponsor his travelling costs.
“I am incredibly grateful for their support, it feels like a godsend. I must also thank Tracy Posthumus-Meyjes, vice president of IBFF who played a significant role in securing this sponsorship.”
Max had an unfortunate surgery procedure during 2014 which left him partially paralysed. He realized he needed to transform his negative thoughts and to find pride in himself again, he started with powerlifting in 2019.
He soon became a South African powerlifting champion but bade the sport farewell and started with bodybuilding. At his first ever bodybuilding competition he was crowned a SA champion and qualified for the IBFF world championship in Slovenia.
Max will participate at the IBFF world championships on Saturday, 4 June and return to South Africa on Sunday, 5 June.
