Taelo Maloka, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Dietetics student, exemplifies the university’s commitment to nurturing talent inside and outside the lecture halls.
Not only is Maloka thriving in his studies, but he has also made his mark in competitive bodybuilding and rugby, showcasing the versatility and dedication of SMU students. His inspiring journey is a reflection of SMU’s efforts to develop and support its students in pursuing excellence across all areas of their lives.
For Maloka, balancing sports and academics has never been an issue. “I dedicate my time to academics during academic hours and cover as much work as possible,” he explains. “This way, when it’s time for sports, I won’t be worried that my academic work will suffer.” He adds that reducing time on social media has been crucial in creating a flexible schedule that accommodates his academic and athletic commitments.
Maloka follows a daily 1-hour, 15-minute bodybuilding routine, with rugby practice on Mondays and Thursdays and games on Saturdays. His structured schedule allows him to excel in both sports without compromising performance, maintaining the strength needed for rugby while sculpting his physique for bodybuilding.
Being a student is inherently demanding, and preparing for bodybuilding competitions during mid-year examinations presented a unique challenge. Maloka’s training schedule involves three consecutive days of training, one day off, and another three days, usually in the afternoons.
However, a significant setback occurred when he dislocated his shoulder playing rugby just a week before the USSA Bodybuilding Competition. Despite this, he braced himself, adapted his training, and was able to compete in USSA, where he got third place. Not one to be easily deterred, he remained steadfast on his goal to qualify for nationals, so he competed at Gauteng Sedibeng and got first place in Men’s Physique U178 cm and won overall, which qualified him for IFBB South African National Champions, where he won. He is currently the Men’s Physique Champion U178 cm in South Africa.
Maloka shared the inspiration behind his passion for bodybuilding, saying: “What sparked my interest in bodybuilding was watching movies as a child. I saw superhero actors with sculpted physiques and told myself, ‘I want to look like that.’ I never liked being skinny; I always felt too small.”
He offers valuable advice to students interested in sports but worried about its impact on their academic performance. “Finding a balance between both is the best way to excel. Reducing time on social media and other distractions can create more opportunities to engage in sports.” He emphasises that playing sports benefits the brain and body, enhancing concentration and overall academic performance.
Maloka’s motivation stems from the desire to be one of the best athletes in South Africa. “Participating in a sport you are passionate about makes excelling inevitable,” he says. He hopes his achievements will inspire other students to believe anything is possible with dedication and the right mindset.
As he nears the completion of his studies, he remains focused on his bodybuilding career. He’s already considering his next steps in the sport. “After completing my studies, I want to try to turn pro,” he says. “If that doesn’t work out, I’ll dive into fitness modelling and see where it takes me.”
The key to Maloka’s success has been the firm support of his father, siblings, and friends. “They believed in me when I wanted to quit, encouraged me to keep going, and reminded me that every day I was getting one step closer to victory,” he recalls. Their support was crucial in his journey, leading to his recent highest achievement.
Maloka’s academic and athletic achievements demonstrate the value of balance, discipline, and a strong support system.
SMU’s role in providing an environment where students like Maloka can pursue their passions while excelling academically underscores the university’s commitment to holistic development.
As Maloka looks toward a future in professional bodybuilding, his story inspires all SMU students, proving that with dedication and the right mindset, success in academics and sports is possible. SMU remains proud of its students who continue to make their mark across multiple arenas, highlighting the university’s influence in shaping versatile and accomplished individuals.