Meet ‘Mama Action’: The 60-year-old powerhouse behind a women’s movement that heals, unites, and inspires

Kwa-Thema – Seipati ‘Mama Action’ Dhludhlu (60) is an active woman who loves to celebrate other women in many forms.

She is popularly known for her aerobics events, powerful spirit and involvement in community work and upliftment. For the past eight years, Dhludhlu has led a women’s movement that is less about fitness and more about purpose.

Thembi Sitela and Zaza Lukhele introduced her to running. She later founded Ama-Gabhadiya, a runners’ club that started as a personal journey to manage her health and detox from depression.

“The club has become a beacon of unity, hope, and action for women of all ages,” she said.

Her runners’ club has been growing stronger and gaining recognition from all corners.

“I started this journey to heal. I needed to fight for my health, mentally and physically. Gym became my therapy, and it helped me rediscover my discipline, confidence, and self-love.

“That journey soon evolved into something much greater, a sisterhood of support,” explained Dhludhlu.

She said Ama-Gabhadiya is not just a group; it is a community of women who hold each other up through every storm.

“Our runners’ group comprises women who hold the knife at its sharpest point,” she mentioned.

She noted that they support one another emotionally, physically, and financially, saying that as a group, they have built something that extends beyond exercise.

Schools and churches across Ekurhuleni now invite Dhludhlu and her team to lead walks and aerobic events. Her influence has expanded beyond fitness into places of education, anti-drug campaigns, and anti-bullying initiatives.

Events hosted by her teams bring awareness to causes such as albinism, cancer, HIV, diabetes, LGBTQI+ rights, gangsterism, and youth development.

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She emphasises education first and encourages every young woman on her team to pursue self-respect, discipline, and her passions, whether in sports, academics, or the arts.

She highlighted that when women unite and support each other, it is often difficult to turn them against one another.

“Such actions encourage positivity and good change. Our relationship has encouraged women to love one another, help each other and never look down on one another,” she said.

Apart from fitness and community involvement, Dhludhlu is an actress at heart.

“I am a legend. I was a theatre actress in the stage version of Sarafina, playing the lead role,” she added.

Apart from being an activist, a sports fanatic and a community builder, Dhludhlu is also a stage performer and a lover of art and creativity.

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Her theatre career began in the 1990s, when the late Georgie ‘Papa G’ Zamdela discovered her during a rehearsal at her home in Daveyton.

Zamdela noticed Dhludhlu’s talent and integrated her into the performing arts industry. This led to an opportunity to tour Europe beginning in 1990, which continued for over four years.

“I am still a performer and love being on stage with my whole heart. I enjoy entertaining people, and most importantly, I enjoy using art to creatively construct others.

“Earlier this year, I performed in Limpopo and Johannesburg in The Spirit of Women musical. Being a part of that production was amazing, exciting and heartbreaking at the same time,” said Dhludhlu.

“Many of us are unnoticed and not given enough opportunities in the industry, yet we used theatre shows to fight against apartheid. I have worked with many legends in the industry; some occasionally give me my flowers for my extra efforts to entertain others.”

She is also a scriptwriter and enjoys unleashing her creativity on paper. She encourages young people to follow their dreams, desires and everything else they believe in.

“Thank you everyone who believed in me, those who helped me when I needed help. I thank those who always render a helping hand when I am planning events.

“My biggest goal is to unite individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and social issues. This may help put an end to stereotypes, discrimination, bullying, gangsterism, and many other issues,” concluded Dhludhlu.