‘The Black Mutant’ rises: Bodybuilder Nkosana Skosana wins national title, eyes world champs

When everything was falling apart and there seemed to be no light at the end of the tunnel, Nkosana Skosana picked up weights, using the gym as his escape, therapy, and church. He not only survived mental battles but went on to win the IFBB South African National Championships.

Now, the bodybuilder, who is known as ‘The Black Mutant,’ is gearing up to represent South Africa on one of the sport’s most prestigious stages: the IFBB World Championship in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, from 27 November to 1 December 2025.

"I’m going there to make history, not just to compete, but to represent every South African who dreams of more," said Skosana.

"I want to bring home a title, yes, but more than that, I want to inspire. I want a young kid from a township to look at my journey and say, 'If he did it, I can too.'"

Raising Funds to Carry the Flag Higher

The 23-year-old told Eyewitness News that he was actively raising fundsto cover the costs of representing South Africa internationally.

"Right now, I’m raising funds to represent South Africa in Saudi Arabia. I need help with travel, accommodation, and competition prep. But this isn’t just about me. It’s about showing the world that South African athletes have the heart, discipline, and hunger to stand on any international stage. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps me carry the flag higher. I want to show that a broke student from South Africa can rise through faith, hard work, and the support of his people."

SCIENCE, STRUCTURE, AND DISCIPLINE

Skosana is simultaneously pursuing a BSc in Physical Sciences as a third-year student at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He believes education and bodybuilding can coexist.

"I’ve always been fascinated by how the physical world works, from energy to matter, and I believe understanding science sharpens my mind as much as training sharpens my body. Studying science helps me see discipline, structure, and logic in everything I do, especially in bodybuilding where precision matters," he explained.

THE GYM: ESCAPE, THERAPY, AND CHURCH

Skosana shared how bodybuilding was a lifeline during a difficult period, teaching him to transform hardship into strength.

"I found bodybuilding at a time when life was uncertain. I didn’t have much, but I had faith and a vision to become something greater. The gym became my escape, my therapy, and my church. It taught me discipline when life had no structure, and it gave me purpose when I felt lost. I continued because bodybuilding saved me," he evealed.

The Black Mutant shares that bodybuilding showed him that pain can be transformed into power, that brokenness can become beauty, and that faith without work is dead.

"My most recent competition was the IFBB South African National Championships, where I proudly won first place in the junior bodybuilding category. That moment meant everything to me. It wasn’t just a trophy, it was proof that all the early mornings, hunger, pain, and sacrifices were worth it. I stood on that stage not just for myself, but for every young South African who believes greatness can come from nothing. Winning Nationals has now earned me the honour to represent South Africa internationally in Saudi Arabia, and I’m determined to make my country proud."