South African fitness icon works out in Israel

GILLIAN KLAWANSKY

Born and bred in Alexandra, Ndhlovu didn’t grow up with many opportunities. Yet, fitness changed her life. Initially running for emotional release, she later joined a gym in the township. When the Institute of Fitness Professionals came to the gym as part of a corporate social responsibility initiative in 2012, it asked her if she was interested in studying fitness. She took the chance, and found her calling.

Today, Ndhlovu uses her story to inspire others. Her life is dedicated to promoting health and fitness. She is the Women’s Health Nextfitstar SA 2016, a personal trainer, and an Adidas and Shield brand ambassador. So, when the Israeli embassy invited her to explore Israel’s fitness lifestyle and outdoor gyms as a South African fitness ambassador, she grabbed the opportunity.

Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to South Africa, Ayellet Black, explained the invitation as follows. “This was a joint project between the embassy of Israel and the South African Friends of Israel. The embassy’s job is to find points of co-operation in different fields with South Africa.

“Obviously, the fitness sector is something that Israel is very good at, and something that is developing here in South Africa, so we thought it would be an excellent point of co-operation,” Black said.

They had heard of Ndhlovu’s wide following on Instagram, with almost 12 000 followers.

“We loved the amazing story of how she became who she is,” said Black. “We thought it would be an incredible opportunity for co-operation between Israel and South Africa in a completely different field. Everything about Ndhlovu, her drive, what she does, how she does it, her following, and her influence in the fitness space offered an amazing opportunity to expose her to how Israel does fitness.”

They hoped she would bring what she learnt in Israel to South Africa, especially as Instagram is a developing space. “This is our second Instagram-related project because it’s a great way to show a completely different side of Israel and connect with South Africa in a new way,” said Black.

Having just returned from Israel, Ndlovu is raving about her experience. “It was absolutely amazing, I had so much fun,” she said. “I’m always talking about how I want to represent [South African] fitness all over the world. My friends always say, ‘If you think you know fitness, you should go to Israel’.”

Ndhlovu was more than impressed by what she saw there. “Fitness on that side is on another level. It’s a real lifestyle, people live and breathe it,” she said. “I’d love South Africa to have something similar to that, where outdoor gyms are accessible to everyone. Fitness is still growing here, but it’s a matter of awareness and teaching people that fitness is not just about how you look, it’s a lifestyle. In Israel, you see a whole family training, anytime, anywhere, and it’s absolutely amazing. It’s 22:00, and everyone is still working out. It was even better than I had imagined it would be.”

Over six days in the Jewish state, Ndhlovu learnt a little Krav Maga, and even did yoga on a surfboard for the first time. “Just learning new techniques was great,” she said. She also got the chance to explore the country.

“Apart from exercising, I experienced some of the culture, the food, and the life there.” Ndhlovu also discovered a love for falafel. “Oh my gosh, it was yummy, you just want to have more,” she said.

“The people were nice. They’re always curious about where you’re from, what brings you to Israel, and what you think about it. I had the best time of my life. I’d love to live in Tel Aviv for a month. Wow!”

Asked whether she’s been approached by BDS (the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement) in response to the trip, Ndhlovu was surprised. “I haven’t experienced anything like that,” she said. “I think fitness is just a universal language.”

She admits that some people shared preconceived ideas of the country before she left. “I experienced exactly the opposite of what most people said [I would experience] when I mentioned I was going to Israel. People would say, ‘Why would you want to go there of all places?’ So, obviously, you are curious about the place when people react in that way, and maybe a bit scared because of what you see on social media. But Israel is just beautiful.”

Israelis have preconceived ideas about South Africa too, she points out. “When I told people that I was from Johannesburg, they’d say, ‘Ooh Johannesburg! There’s a lot of crime there.’ So, before you go somewhere, you have perceptions about the place. You feel like you know the place, but then you have your own experience. Then you can form your own opinion.

“That’s what happened to me. I had the best of Israel. I’d advise anyone to go, have their own experience, and form their own opinion.

“Health and fitness have the power to change lives,” she said. “We just want people to live better lives. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, we all want to be happy and we all want to be confident. Fitness is the language we need to do that in the best way. It teaches people to be the best versions of themselves.”