By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
Sbongile Tshabalala can be mistaken for 35 when she is already 51 years old.
But it is not surprising that her sexy and ageless body results from a regular gym.
The unemployed mother of three is a dedicated run and fitness trainer with great record!
Although she is an instructor in a full-time basis, Sbongile said she was doing it as a volunteer and was hoping that gymnasiums such as Virgin Active or SBK would consider employing her one day.
She does aerobics at Eastbank Hall Monday to Friday from 6:30 to 8:00. There’s a guy that she rotate with in instructing the aerobics.
Sbongile Tshabalala was nicknamed Sbobo by her grandfather when she was still at Soweto, Diepkloof zone 5 where she was born athlete.
Her mother was a model and former Miss Kaizer Chiefs whilst her father was a karate expert.
It was not surprising that as a young person she was preoccupied with many activities as she started doing ballroom dancing and Latin American dance at a young age.
“After my family left Soweto and settled in Alexandra township, I joined a community youth club named Kgodisong.
“It had a senior wing by the name Thusong Youth Club. There, I developed my dance skills until 1997 when I auditioned and I succeeded in being accepted at the Johannesburg Dance Foundation in Doornfontein.
“In the institution, I had to take ballet, contemporary and jazz courses for three years. Unfortunately, I broke my ankle in my second year of my studies and I had no choice, but to quit.
“But oozing a resilient spirit at the dance foundation, I teamed up with the former judge of SA’s Got Talent Show, David Matamela/ Marugane.”
Because of her plight, she decided to join the aerobics gym in Alex. As time elapsed and getting the hang of it, she initiated a program in instructing senior citizens, particularly gogos in aerobics.
“It was a success as those who were diabetic managed to keep the body sugar levels at satisfactory conditions, and those complaining with frail bone stiffness started getting some relief through a well managed exercise routine.
“I started jogging regularly until one day I came across some guys jogging and conversing in sign language.”
Sbongile said they took her by hand and introduced her to their club in Randburg RAC running club. Her athletic career expanded while training over short and long distances.
She eventually took part in several official races and her trainers supported her.
A successful career with a collection of prestigious medals is indicative of her talents and underscores the magnificent dedication and efforts she has put into it.
After all these remarkable years, she is still racing, including the Soweto Marathon.
Her next race will take place on the 27th of November 2022 in Randburg RAC where she will do 32 kms.
Her club, known as Family Fitness, is registered as a non-profit organization that started last year in March.
“We are trying to promote a healthy lifestyle. Every month we pop out R20:00 so that we can buy our teamates energy drinks every time there’s bootcamp around Alex.
“If they can need an instructor in any gymnasium (SBK, virgin active, etc.), please compliment me, I really need this,” said the single mother.
