Africa’s first pro wheelchair bodybuilder eyes World Championship

JOHANNESBURG –  Macethandile “Max” Kulati continues to dominate the bodybuilding stage and write his name in the history books.

The Kariega professional wheelchair bodybuilder recently took part in two competitions where he came out on top of his field.

“I took part in 2 competitions this month. First, it was the Beast Classic 2025 that was in King Williams town at Zwelitsha Hall, hosted by Abongile Bhele.  The athletes who competed in this competition were from across Africa, and I won my lineup in first place. The second competition was the IBFF CAPE CLASSIC PRO-AM that was in Cape Town over the weekend, and it was a great competition and a great experience to compete for my first time in the Mother City.”

He told Eyewitness News it’s always great being on stage, but this time it was extra special for him, especially competing in Cape Town; the love shown to him was beyond words.

“Competing in the pro line-up and the love the people of Cape Town showed me on and off the stage was amazing. From the hotel that we were booked in (Newkings Boutique Hotel), the gym we went to (Planet Fitness De Waterkant) and both Michael and Lexi (IBFF Cape Town President and VICE president) really showed us some love when we were there.”

Kulati, who’s also a personal trainer at Metrogym Uitenhage, thanked his sponsors Black Bull Hardcore Labs and Gerald Pietersen from 3D Consulting in Kariega and said he still has unfinished business this year and intends to show the world why he should be a name to be remembered.

“There are a few things I would like to accomplish before this year ends. IBFF World Championship Pro league/ Amateur Vandetta on the 26th of October 2025 in the United Kingdom. Then in December I want to break records again, but that one is going to be the hardest, especially now that we have a new pro that has all to gain and nothing to lose, the pressure has been built up, and its now time to work hard and deliver. We'll soon reveal the last competition of the year, but it's definitely in December 2025.”

In 2022, he received his pro card in Koper, Slovenia, at the International Federation of Body Building and Fitness (IBFF) World Championship, becoming the first IBFF Universe wheelchair pro bodybuilder in Africa.

“Bodybuilding has changed my life a lot because now I have a daily responsibility of taking care of what I put in my mouth, I know how to train myself without injuring myself, and I need to listen to my body. If it feels tired, I need to rest and not force myself to gym. Bodybuilding has taught me to be disciplined, dedicated, hardworking, and time management because I don't just eat, but I eat after a certain time.”

South Africa’s first professional wheelchair bodybuilder, Kulati, won the 2024 Mr and Miss Universe competition. In 2023, he defended his title at the International Federation of Body Building and Fitness (IBFF) World Championship in Koper, Slovenia.

“My favourite moment on stage is when I do my pose and they are playing my favourite song. I feel this is when you get to see the real me and know why I’m the first pro wheelchair bodybuilder on the continent. You get to see Max Kulati at his best on that stage, communicating with my God and ancestors, then you will see the holy spirit taking over me by allowing me to share my pain with the audience, then the rest I'll leave everyone in tears.”

READ MORE:

World champion bodybuilder Kulati 'planning big' things for 2025

Double wheelchair bodybuilding world champ Kulati pleads for funding to help him defend his title

'Mighty Max' Kulati retains his crown at the IBFF World Championship

Wheelchair bodybuilder raises funds to represent SA, defend title in Slovenia