Local bodybuilder wins SA Champs in his category
MELMOTH resident Zwelihle Mbatha has taken the bodybuilding world by storm, being crowned SA champ after representing KZN at a national competition last weekend.
After qualifying top in the province, Mbatha competed and won the IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness) SA Championships in the Men's Classic Physique category held at the Walter Sisulu Sports Hall in Randburg from Thursday to Sunday.
The 29-year-old fitness enthusiast was introduced to the gym in 2012 by a local policeman trying to help him through difficult times.
“After he listened to my life story, the policeman introduced me to rugby and told me going to the gym would help me,” said Mbatha.
“I went along with it and later he encouraged me to enter competitions.
“In 2018, I entered my first competition and came third in KZN. This year, after qualifying as number one in the province, I participated in the national championships and came first.”
“What I have learned through this experience is that if you are willing to do something, you must excel in it and always be around those who support you,” said Mbatha.
He said he was ecstatic that, in the sport he so loves, results are finally visible.
“Now that I am SA champ in the Men's Classic Physique category, my next move is definitely an international tour. The first trip will be to Spain. I have realised you have to stick to what you believe in and not let critics stand in your way,” he said. Mbatha encourages others to go to the gym.
“The gym is where you find peace, and learn discipline and respect. It also teaches you to be patient and to stand up for what you like,” he said.
Mbatha said if anyone wants to start gymming, they must be decisive and know that pain does not mean one must quit. “To gym is helpful. I did not regard myself as human at various points in my life, but gymming helped me realise I am a human being. I can stand up for myself and be happy.
“I can do what I love because of it. I take full responsibility for everything I do, and gym taught me all of that,” he said.