Too much of a lady for her abuser
IT is difficult to imagine that the confident, easy-going Nonhle Ndala was once physically and emotional abused by her ex-hubby.
PUMMELLED: The Face of Fitness, bruised after a beating
TONED AND GLOWING: Face of Fitness ambassador Nonhle Ndala. Picture by Craig Morrison
Ndala's tips to shed the flab
To speed up a sluggish metabolism and detox, she recommends a cocktail of Aloe Vera, green apple and spirulina, which is a rich source of Vitamin B and anti-oxidants.
Include in your meals vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus and cauliflower.
Use cayenne pepper instead of spices. It is healthier and speeds up the metabolism.
Use avocado as a bread spread instead of butter. It is fat-free and contains healthier nutrients.
Sweet potatoes have more carbohydrates than their famous cousins.
Avoid fruit juice - even the ones labelled 100%. Instead drink freshly squeezed juice from fresh fruit.
Drink lots of water, at least 2 litres a day. It is the cheapest form of nutrition and a great cleanser.
It's also incredible that the radiant and lithe athlete was once a plump teenager with battered self-esteem, thanks to school bullies who envied her privileged background.
But the 29-year-old Heidelberg-born beauty has turned her life around, refusing to allow her destiny to be defined by her cruel past.
As the Face of Fitness ambassador, she champions a healthy lifestyle and keeping in shape by doing regular workouts in the gym. She is the winner of last year's Body Beautiful SA and Face of Fitness, both sponsored by sports nutrition giants USN.
Raised in a comfortable home that could be described as middle-class, she says her teenage years were marred by emotional trauma.
"I was brought up by my grandmother, a loving but strict disciplinarian who instilled in me moral values, respect for other people's cultures and discipline. She was in essence my mother, but I yearned for the love of my biological mother who, unfortunately, was not living with us. She visited me only occasionally."
At 17 she found love in a man who was seven years her senior. A year later she became his wife and a mom.
"But as I grew older and became more confident and assertive, he resented that. He felt I was challenging his authority as the head of the family.
"Then the abuse started. But whenever he hit me I reported the matter to the police," she says.
She eventually filed for a divorce.
The courts decided on joint custody for their daughter.
But two months ago he allegedly savagely assaulted her in front of her daughter after she dropped her at his house.
Olifantsfontein police confirm that Ndala opened a case of domestic abuse. She says she has also obtained a protection order against her ex.
"Women must not suffer in silence. They need to know that marriage is about mutual respect and a partnership that involves two people growing together ... my ex-husband refused to acknowledge that I was no longer the teenager who used to agree with him on every matter," she says.
Comments
SebolaNtimetseAdikateMoketla
NonhleNever complain about raising of the elderly women
Grannies are the best groomers
Those raised by grannies are unrivalled by others
You set a good example
by leaving an abusive man
I cant believe that picture
Only animals bite
and deform others' faces like that
does that animal now see
what you can do without him?
women out there
please take a leaf from Nonhle's chapter
its a great success story
YummyMummy23
@ Sebola, Thank you kindly for taking the time to share your comment. Your time is appreciated. I can never complain about my granny's way of raising me. Her being strict paved way to me becoming a success in life. She was heaven sent, a blessing in my life and I wish She was still alive to share her wisdom. She cared enough to guide me through the right path and I will forever be thankful to her for who I am today. She was a remarkable woman.I am thankful for the lessons I've learned through those who tried to harm me, it is through them that I have discovered what a phenomenal woman I am, the strength beyond measure and the beauty that shines from inside out. It is through them that I've learned how to love unconditionally, how to be selfless and humble. The Warrior in Me, refuses to stay down. I will stand and get up again and keep standing, to become better than before, like a phoenix bird I rise. Its not the end of the world, but the beginning of a new chapter with a happy ending. I have found happiness, love and passion. I am truly Blessed
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