{"id":23241,"date":"2026-06-25T16:57:29","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T16:57:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=23241"},"modified":"2026-06-25T16:57:29","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T16:57:29","slug":"the-next-big-thing-illovo-bodybuilder-preps-for-historic-pro-debut","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=23241","title":{"rendered":"The next big thing: Illovo bodybuilder preps for historic pro debut"},"content":{"rendered":"


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WHAT began as an idea to become the best version of herself has blossomed into a burgeoning professional bodybuilding career and the chance for Illovo\u2019s Marcia Norica Ngubane, 31, to represent her country in the upper echelons of the sport.<\/p>\n

Also read:<\/strong> Young Amanzimtoti cricketer wins major award<\/a><\/p>\n

She started her bodybuilding journey in 2019 a year after having her daughter. She decided to take her fitness more seriously and challenge herself in a completely different way.<\/p>\n

Since then, she won titles every year from 2021 until last year, having earned her International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) pro card on December 6 last year. <\/p>\n

Currently in her off-season, Ngubane is preparing for her professional debut next year with shows lined up for Brazil, Spain and China. Her ultimate goal is to become the first South African female wellness athlete to qualify for the Olympia stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom my first bodybuilding show in 2019, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue long-term. I was inspired by the idea of becoming the strongest, healthiest, most confident version of myself and inspiration to my daughter. I admired the discipline and dedication bodybuilders had, and I wanted to prove to myself that I was capable of achieving something difficult. Competing also gave me a platform to inspire other women, especially women who may feel overlooked or unsure of themselves. Going pro was one of the most emotional and rewarding moments of my life and it felt unreal because it came when I was ready to walk away as I do not have the financial support to keep going,\u201d said Ngubane.<\/p>\n

Also read: <\/strong>Amanzimtoti woman reaches fitness goals<\/a><\/p>\n

Remarkably, outside of the physical demands of bodybuilding, Ngubane proved herself as intelligent as she is athletic, with a bachelor\u2019s degree in politics, philosophy and law, an Honours in Social Sciences and a Masters in Social Justice Education. <\/p>\n

She works as a personal trainer and creates fitness and lifestyle content to motivate people.<\/p>\n

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Fitness and physical well-being are a passion for Marcia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

What she needs to compete<\/h2>\n

Competing internationally comes with significant costs, especially as a South African athlete. <\/p>\n