Pro Body Builder: BhekuMuzi Maluleke

“The first black South African Body Builder of his weight to achieve this…”

Bhekumuzi Maluleke born and bread in Soweto, South Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. Grew up in a tough environment, confidence and resilience to not settle for less was the food of the day. Muzi, shortened version of body-builder attended school in Pimville, Soweto, Emshukantambo Secondary School.

Humble beginnings for the Muz Monster but didn’t stop Muzi from furthering his studies and pursuing the body building career simultaneously. Muzi studied BA HMS Sport Science, did his Honors qualification also at The University of Pretoria SA.

Muzi, as he is often called, or “Muz Monster”, has been gunning for the IFBB Pro card since he joined the seniors in pursuit to be a professional body-builder. A gruesome, tough and testing journey for Muzi in attaining the IFBB Pro card. The Victory is a strap line of the dedication Muzi has put in, all the sacrifices and the blood & sweat.

left: Bhekumuzi Maluleke

Muzi believes part of his purpose and responsibility is to “showcase the specific God given talent/ability God has given me, live my life through that. Secondly take the responsibility to push the conversation further, equip and bring light to problems/barriers that hinder other athletes progress in body building”.

The IFBB Pro Card attainment has been a big relief for Muzi but he still acknowledges the marathon ahead of him, he knows about the high standards Olympia expects from all global body builders participating in the championships.

“Aspire 2 inspire” is Muzi’s motto, using sport as a tool to change lives of South African people living in remote and less privileged areas/communities, setting an example that through hard work and dedication you really can get to higher levels.

“People crazy enough to think that they can change the world, usually those are the people who get to inflict change in the world. Muzi’s passion, love, ambition and audacious courage will change the body building and how its perceived in South Africa.

Done by Jabulani Mthombeni

From the dusty streets of Mabopane to junior Chess SA national championships:

Mavu Sport Development Coach, Khotso Lodi from Tshwane, Mabopane has four players from Soshangaan Primary School taking part in the Junior Chess National Championships in Kempton Park, Kopanong Hotel.

A young man/coach passionate and moved by his love for chess has managed to inspire and teach young Soshangaan Primary School learners the game of masters. 

At the age of 24, coach Khotso Lodi has had to develop a strong relationship with his learners/players; parents; school and Tshwane chess, handling fears of all stakeholders to assure and showcase his leadership skills as a coach.

With relentless desire to develop in chess. Coach Khotso introduced his siblings to the game, and the whole family was receptive to the game, encouraging the love Khotso had for coaching, hence the Mabopane born chess coach is the youngest in the Tshwane region to take four learners participate in the Junior national champs. 

Right Above: Khotso Lodi

An inspiring story that needs to be told now and forever about coach Khotso and how chess changed his life, to pulling him out of the pits, and reigniting hope and a way out to providing for his family.

Mrs. Judy-Marie Steenkamp from Tshwane Chess shared some of her excitement about coach Khotso’s selection as part of the Tshwane Chess coaches for the province. “Khotso is a breath of fresh air within our pool of coaches, he gives the Mabopane community something to shout about from the rooftops” – says Mrs. Steenkamp.

The Junior Chess SA national championships were hosted from the 18 – 24 March 2019 in Gauteng, Ekurhuleni, Kempton Park. Coach Khotso Lodi and Olebogeng Lodi, Isagoentle Lodi and Remoletile Shuping are the names of the young master minds coming out of Mabopane, Soshangaan Primary school. 

From Left to Right: Isagoentle Lodi; Remoletile Shuping; Coach Khotso Lodi and Olebogeng Lodi

The commitment and dedication put in by the players/learners display great determination to persevere within the Chess fraternity. Without the platform Mavu Sport Development provides for their volunteer coaches, one wonders what will happen to the untapped potential that lies in our less privileged communities. 

Mavu stands firm to their vision of offering access to sport at grassroots level. Most of the South African youth does not have access to regular sport activities. Mavu aims to transform the opportunities of our youth, creating a platform for transformation. Coach Khotso Lodi is the fruit of all the efforts made by Mavu Sport Development and the community of Mabopane.

Done by: Jabulani Mthombeni