Comedian Celeste Ntuli carries the weight of truth

She is open about her struggle with obesity and its risks. By Bhekisisa Mncube

- By Bhekisisa Mncube

South Africa's beloved comedian Celeste Ntuli (46) has built a career on making people laugh. But when she speaks about her lifelong struggle with obesity, the humour carries an edge of truth.

Experts warn that the condition is a chronic disease driving hypertension, type 2 diabetes and more than 230 health complications, including cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.

Ntuli grew up in a family of four sisters in rural Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, but she was the only one who carried extra weight. "All my sisters are slim I was the odd one out," she says. She believes her body type comes from her aunts, rather than her parents. "I inherited their curves and size. It's in my DNA. I didn't choose this body; I was born into it."

However, in her community, size was never stigmatised. "Being big was not just acceptable it was celebrated. I watched my aunts and older women proudly carry their size. From them, I learnt that shame can be attached to your body, yes, but I also learnt to carry it with dignity."

But things changed when she went to school in Durban. Her quick wit became both shield and weapon. "Humour became my armour. I learnt to crack a joke before anyone else could, or expose their weakness, to disarm any body shaming at school."

As Ntuli's career grew, public scrutiny of her body sharpened.