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Born in Lusikisiki, Ayabulela Marulumba who is a bodybuilder received an honorary National Protea Blazer after he competed in the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness which was held in Spain November 2021.
Out of 27 bodybuilders who participated in the competition, he received the number seventh spot.
The honorary blazer is set to be only received by individuals who have participated at an international platform.
He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Agriculture Science at the University Of Fort Hare.
Marulumba said, “My passion for body building began at the university, I was intrigued and grew interested in the sport. It was after I had interacted with students who were participating in the sport.”
Marulumba said that he is mentored and coached by Chris Nguta, who he met at the institution in 2017. Nguta still continues coaching and mentoring Marulumba as he is an expert in the body builders sport with his own achievements.
“Hard work pays off. Soldier mentality is the best. These are words that Nguta always speaks of and they have carried me to where I am today.” said Marulumba
Marulumba has participated in various competitions mostly from the Eastern Cape and at a National Level.
As a spark was ignited within Marulumba, he said he had to settle to starting his own business of selling student friendly essentials in order to be able to fund his regulated lifestyle.
The rise of Marulumba in the bodybuilding industry started as a hobby and he says now he feels he has made his mark in the sport and strives to continue doing so
His first participation took place on 28 April 2017, he received first position under the junior’s category and overall winner of the show at the University of Fort Hare Annual Exhibition.
On 12 August 2017 he received the position third at the Bizana Show.
In April 2018 he took once again the first position at the University of Fort Hare Annual Exhibition under the junior’s category.
He competed on the 18 August 2018 in Buffalo City in the Mr Border Junior’s category he received the third position.
In August 2019 he participated on the House of Legends Show and received second position.
On 6 September 2019 he participated at the University of Fort Hare Ironman Competition where he received first position .
Marulumba said, “The global pandemic in 2020 was a setback, through faith I continued maintaining my lifestyle. At times it was discouraging as there were no competitions to look forward to.”
A break of dawn drew close for Marulumba on 18 August 2021, he participated in the Rise of Championship BodyBuilders where he received first position which took place in Bloemfontein Free State.
