World champion bodybuilder Kulati 'planning big' things for 2025
Macethandile 'Max' Kulati told EWN that he loves bringing back trophies home just to watch his children rejoice in his achievements and brag about how their father is a champion.
South African pro wheelchair bodybuilder Macethandile "Max" Kulati. Picture: Ibff Pro Max/Facebook.
JOHANNESBURG – In 2014, Macethandile "Max" Kulati slipped and fell while on duty at a butchery and became disabled.
Little did Kulati know that he would later experience numbness in his legs after a couple of weeks, which signalled his disability.
"I went to a doctor, who gave me an injection in my back, assuring me it would solve the problem. I felt better and went home. I went to sleep and when I woke up, I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t understand it. I had no sensation in my legs and they felt cold," he recounted.
Kulati was referred to Livingstone Hospital in Gqeberha where medics conducted multiple tests.
"Doctors told me there was a growth in my spine that affected my nervous system. I underwent medical procedures, but my nervous system was damaged, and I was left paralysed from my waist down."
South Africa’s pro-wheelchair bodybuilder Macethandile "Max". Picture: Ibff Pro Max/ Facebook.
Kulati, who grew up dancing, playing soccer and rugby, didn’t let the 2014 injury determine his destiny, instead, it set a fire inside him and pushed him to pump his way up the bodybuilding food chain.
"I marvellously ended 2024, I managed to tick off my goal to be the first African wheelchair professional bodybuilder to win the IBFF Worldwide TM Universe title. I was awarded a MEC Special Award that was awarded to me by the MEC Sibulele Ngongo from Eastern Cape. How can I forget the biggest of all was to be invited to both SONA and SOPA as an eminent person and as a guest?"
The IBFF Worldwide TM Universe title is awarded to the winner of the International Bodybuilding Fitness Federation (IBFF) Mr and Miss Universe competition.
"This year I'm planning big and I've started to work towards my goal for the year. What I can say is that a lot of changes will happen and as I've sat down with my coach, Steve Bethwell Mfo (IBFF Pro), we've agreed to work towards a huge programme for this year and believe me, it will shock everyone in a good way. Unfortunately, we decided not to mention what we are planning but believe me it's huge."
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.
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South Africa’s pro-wheelchair bodybuilder Macethandile "Max". Picture: Ibff Pro Max/ Facebook.
In 2022, he got 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.
"My family plays a huge role in my bodybuilding career. They are very supportive. Whenever I prepare, I sit them down, tell them about my plans, and ask for their views. Then, we take it one competition at a time together."
He told EWN that he loves bringing back trophies home just to watch his children rejoice in his achievements and brag about how their father was a champion.
"My children will even say that I'm the best in South Africa and that is why I always put in everything when I have to prepare for any of my competitions and I don't have any small competitions. Every competition is big no matter if it will be in South Africa or overseas," said Kulati to EWN.