Ettienne van Rensburg
VANDERBIJLPARK. – Following the determined footsteps of the great Arnold Schwarzenegger, NWU Vaal’s Avuyile Ndzimela (21) is living his dream.
Despite being a junior national bodybuilding champion, he is also an aspiring politician.
He is a final year student studying a BA in Public Administration and Governance at the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University. If everything goes according to plan, he will graduate next year.
“My love for bodybuilding started at the age of 14. I was inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger growing up and my dream was to one day look like him. In 2018 my current coach saw me on campus and said I had great potential and that I should meet him at the gym.”
He is the first NWU-student to win two divisions at one show.
“My long-term goal is to obtain my IFBB pro card by age 25. My future plans involve obtaining a sponsor to help turn my dreams into a reality,” says Avuyila.
Despite having a genetic predisposition for bodybuilding, he is adamant that the right mindset and an unbeatable work ethic is non-negotiable if you want to excel in life.
His dream to meet his childhood hero Arnold Schwarzenegger almost became a reality when he was invited to participate in the 2020 Arnold Classic Africa. Due to Covid-19, the event was unfortunately canceled.
Before competitions, he spends an astonishing four hours per day, six times a week in the gym. His current role model is the seven-time Mr. Olympia Champion, Phil Heath.
“He is the greatest bodybuilder of his generation. He is hardworking and that’s all you need to succeed in this sport. The mind is probably the strongest muscle that must be trained. Strong mental fitness allows you to get more out of yourself in each workout. It allows you to break plateaus.”
Like any other bodybuilder, he is quick to admit that dieting is the hardest part of the sport.