Former professional bodybuilder, Bonginkosi Zulu, has finally responded to his calling of being a traditional healer (sangoma).

In an exclusive interview with the Herald, Zulu, 34, who has won an International Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (IBFF) gold medal in 2019, said it took him 12 years to accept his gift which was bequeathed to him by his late mother, Theni Doris Zulu.

“Although I still love bodybuilding, I had to honour the true essence of myself by doing this and stop being in denial,” Zulu said.

Explaining this generational gift, Zulu said he was meant to succeed his mother as he was next in line, but for a long time he refused to do so despite his relatives pleading with him.

I used to get messages in my dreams and thought that it would be stupid of me to leave bodybuilding. It wasn’t until misfortunes started following me that I started thinking it was gravely serious. I had no choice but honour the inevitable and simply had to accept it.”

Speaking of his training, Zulu said he had to spend a whole year without his wife and children or any of his relatives, and go as far as Mozambique to complete some rituals.

“Every day I would wake up at 3am and bath in icy water. It was very tough, but I am glad that I’ve come out of it with victory. I am glad that I now have the powers to heal the world,” he said.

Zulu said although he never thought he’d ever call himself a sangoma, he said he regretted running away from his destiny.

Although I won’t be involved in bodybuilding actively anymore, I will remain a bodybuilder at heart. I will continue to train to maintain good health, and continue to show budding bodybuilders the secret of building the body of a champion,” Zulu said.