Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding emerged as a formal sports code at the University of Fort Hare in 2007.

Although athletes did not take part in University Sports South Africa (USSA) events at the time, they competed at various Border competitions.

One of the stars to emerge from this period was alumnus and incumbent Fort Hare coach Chris Nguta, who went on to win several national titles.

Following a lull before and over the Covid-period, former student Marulumba Ayabulela excelled at the Border championships before claiming the national under-70kg title in 2021.

Those performances set the tone for Fort Hare’s current programme.

Nguta returned to the fold in 2024 and immediately made an impact when he guided his young bodybuilders to a combined nine medals at the national USSA and regional Eastern Cape championships.

The sport is also flexing its muscles off the stage.

Sports officer Mihlali Rodolo was capped in 2024 for managing the national junior girls at the World Bodybuilding Championships and associated congress in Spain.

The discipline required to be successful in bodybuilding appeals to many students because it builds confidence physically while improving mental fortitude in the classroom.