Who Is Max
Built From
Nothing
In 2014, a surgical procedure left Macethandile "Max" Kulati partially paralysed — at 22 years old, living in Moeggesukkel, one of the most under-resourced neighbourhoods in Kariega, Eastern Cape. He began with two-kilogram dumbbells in his bedroom, no coach, no programme, no government support.
He entered his first bodybuilding competition and won South African Champion, qualifying directly for the IBFF World Championships in Slovenia. On 4 June 2022 he was crowned IBFF World Disabled Bodybuilding Champion — then returned in October 2023 and won again.
Between training camps, Max speaks at schools across the Eastern Cape, coaches youth fitness, and carries Kariega with him everywhere he competes. He is living proof that where you come from does not define where you are going.
"I want to inspire everyone so that when they look at me, they think: if he can do it, so can I."