Well-known Lowvelder dies after winning body building competition

Known for her positive attitude and unique laugh, it was a shock to many in the Lowveld when Zenta Delport (51) was discovered dead on August 6, the morning after placing first in a provincial body building competition.

Her cause of death is still under investigation, however, no foul play is suspected.

Delport had won in the category of Women’s Physique at the Mpumalanga Body Building South Africa/International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) Championships on August 5.

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According to the IFBB Mpumalanga’s chairperson, Lourens Smidt, who was also Delport’s friend and former coach, she was elated with her win and was invited to compete in the South African National Championship from September 1 to 3.

The competition had taken place at The Dome at The Ridge Casino in eMalahleni. Delport stayed at a guest house nearby. Smidt and his wife, Amelia, who was also close friends and trained with Delport, said they had left eMalahleni on Saturday, however, Delport had told the couple she was tired and was going to stay another night and leave on Sunday morning.

However, they later found out that Delport did not show up for breakfast that following morning, and was later found dead in her room at the guest house.
One of Delport’s closest friends, Estelle de Villiers, said no foul play was expected.

“She was not hurt, and her body was taken to the morgue by the coroner.”

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De Villiers said she had met Delport in 2009. Together with another friend, Flo Wiggill, the three were inseparable and called themselves ‘The Ya Ya Sisters’. “She was a remarkable person who left an indelible mark on all those fortunate enough to have crossed her path. Zenta was a person who embodied the spirit of seizing the moment and pursuing her dreams with determination, even when we cautioned her not to.

“We have over 10 years of holiday memories, intimately intertwined through years of road trips from Mozambique to Umdloti, adventures and basking in the sun. She was always the dedicated driver. I played the music and Flo ensured we were hydrated. We always reminisced about our holidays and excursions. We will miss that. She had a giggle that everyone will remember and loved her for,” said De Villiers.

Lourens and Amelia echoed De Villiers’s sentiment about living her life to the fullest. “She crept into our hearts. She had a unique laugh. She was always friendly, always positive and a great athlete,” they told Lowvelder.

Delport had been working as the general manager of Likweti Bushveld Farm Estate at the time of her death, but had started her career as a police officer at Nelspruit Police Station.

A former officer who worked with Delport during her police days said she was always making jokes, always laughing. She said Delport had been a dedicated member of the force, disciplined, respectful and ready to help anyone at any time.

Likweti posted a heartfelt tribute to Delport on its Facebook page, stating she was part of the estate’s family, and everyone who worked with her was still struggling to grasp her untimely death. “You put your heart and your soul into everything you took on, which was evident in your work. The health of our environment and wildlife is a testament to your extensive knowledge and love of nature,” said the post.

Delport’s sisters, Joan Delport and Yvonne Vermeulen, said of her: “It’s with heavy hearts that we say goodbye. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”
A memorial was be held for Delport at Likweti for her family and friends on Saturday, August 19.