Durban — Nokulunga Buthelezi has an innate flexibility that allows her to move her body in mind-boggling ways, so much so that she has become known to the world as Africa’s Snake Woman.
“It’s a God-given talent,” she says, which she has perfected over the years.
Born and raised in Katlehong, in Ekurhuleni, Buthelezi, 34, a contortionist, discovered her rare talent at the age of 7.
“I have always been flexible and loved moving my body in various unique ways since I was very little. I knew from a young age that this is what I was capable of doing and loved to do it.
“But, I had no idea that one could actually make a living out of doing something like this,” she said.
It was her mother who got her to perform at a local mall, which led to her connecting with an acrobat.
Buthelezi and her newfound partner travelled to different parts of the country to display their unique skills and it was in Cape Town that she met a talent scout from the US who convinced her to join the UniverSoul Circus overseas.
At the age of 9, Buthelezi moved to the US for the duration of her contract with the circus, visiting her home country for three weeks every year until she was 16.
She studied via correspondence.
Buthelezi then went to Germany where she became part of the Afrika Afrika show, mesmerising audiences.
During her travels, Buthelezi also performed in Paris where she received a bronze medal for her performance.
When she was 19, she joined a women-only show called Circus Princess, becoming the only South African to be a part of it. She was later crowned Princess of All Circuses and was awarded a gold medal.
She fell pregnant in her 20s but did not let her pregnancy stop her from continuing with her first love – being a contortionist.
“I had my daughter when I was 24. I performed while I was pregnant until I was six months, then I stopped when my stomach was beginning to show.
“As soon as I had my daughter, I went back to performing a month later. I just continued to perform and to travel,” she said.
Buthelezi said she tried to quit being a contortionist, secured an administrative job and then fell pregnant again. But her passion to perform was too strong.
“My son was not even a month old when I was invited to another show to perform and do contortion.
“This is something that God and my ancestors gave to me. It is used as a message for people, to say, it does not matter what kind of difficulties you face in life, especially with your body as a woman. It is to show other people to never give up, even if it might seem like it is impossible to do something that you have always done,” she said.
Buthelezi, who is currently performing with McLaren Circus, which is in Durban until Sunday, July 14, described circus life as being “out of this world” due to its ability to introduce one to different parts of the world, different races and cultures.
She said juggling between motherhood and her career was made easier by having a strong support system.
Her children love watching her shows and want to follow in her footsteps.
“They do seem interested in performing in shows but I actually would like them to go to school first and finish their studies,” said Buthelezi.
When she’s not on stage, Buthelezi, the granddaughter of the late IFP founder, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, works as a personal assistant for two non-governmental organisations.
She said she was happy with her job and had no plans to quit anytime soon.
Sunday Tribune