Bodybuilders eye the perfect physique
In welcoming participants and guests to the event, MC, Modise Sithole described Qwabe as a fierce competitor, who spent half his life championing the sport.
In ancient times, a muscled body was a sign of respect for the gods.
Much might have changed since then, but sporting a honed physique remains a form of physical and spiritual health.
This common thread linked participants in the Qwabe Benefit Contest, on Saturday.
The Newcastle Town Hall was the proving ground for a new generation of bodybuilders, hoping to follow in the footsteps of a local giant, Mzwakhe Qwabe.
He has tread a path across the globe, as a true ambassador of bodybuilding.
In welcoming participants and guests to the event, MC, Modise Sithole described Qwabe as a fierce competitor, who spent half his life championing the sport.
“He fought to have bodybuilding treated with the dignity it deserved.”
Despite his achievements in the sport, few have attempted to pay homage to the life of Qwabe, although Member of the Provincial Legislature, Makhosini Nkosi has been a constant supporter.
In fact, he secured sponsorship to help make the contest a reality.
Mr Nkosi was a guest of honour, explaining the relevance of bodybuilding from its historic roots, to where it fits now into education, confidence-building and job creation.
“We should use sport for social cohesion; we must forget about building a multi-racial society, and focus instead on creating a non-racial world.”
Then it was onto the action.
While preparation continued backstage, both Cicilia Pieterse and Qwabe himself took to the stage for exhibition posing.
One thing is certain – these two impressive athletes are the picture of fit!
In the eight categories, the winners are as follows:
Under-21 – Brian Nhlabathi
Bantamweight – Mzamo Vilakazi
Lightweight – Sipho Nyandeni
Welterweight – Zithulele Makhaye
Middleweight – Ferrari Hadebe
Light heavyweight – Vezi Martin
Heavyweight – Siphamandla Mbethe
The top performer was 25-year-old Ferrari Hadebe, Vezi Martin and Zithulele Makhaye, and Siphamandla Mbethe received an overall prize.
Organisers were pleased with the turnout, and plan to make this an annual sporting fixture.
