Health Wealth

Mapule Ndhlovu, aka 'Queen Fitnass', is reinventing wellness for a new era of fabulously fit South Africans

- CHARNDRÉ ΕΜΜΑ ΚΙΡPIE

“We live in a society where people tend to WANT QUICK FIXES and INSTANT GRATIFICATION; people don’t have patience any more”

In the social media space and fitness world at large, Mapule Ndhlovu, better known as Queen Fitnass, is celebrated for her strength, resilience and ability to inspire others – not to mention her dazzling smile and positive aura. As the face of our ‘Reinvention’ issue, she reflects key values to embrace this year: a fresh outlook, a renewed sense of purpose, and a balanced approach to wellness. Rising from humble beginnings in Alexandra, Soweto, to become one of Africa’s most impactful ‘fit-fluencers’ and an Adidas brand ambassador, Mapule’s journey is truly inspiring.

Journey to Fitness

Though she’s born in Soweto, Mapule moved around quite a bit during her childhood, circling Alex, Tembisa and Brits. An only child on her mom’s side, she was brought up by strong women like her mother, aunt and grandmother.

“I come from a very colourful family! Even with their differences, they tried to raise me the best way they could. I went to seven different schools and lived with various family members,” she says.

“Fitness was the last thing on her mind. “I mean, growing up in Alex, health and fitness is not something that one is really exposed to,” Mapule admits. “Running, to me at the time, was an emotional release, and I decided to also join the aerobics class offered by one of the local gyms just to keep myself active.”