In the past, he could finish an entire chicken, down it with cool drink and close off almost every meal with dessert or sweets. He loved chocolates and take-aways were the order of the day. But since he decided to make better life decisions for his health and future, actor, tv presenter and MC Nkanyiso Bhengu has moved from weighing 192 kg to 130 kg. 

CHANGING OLD HABITS

He started the #WalkItOffWithNkanyisochallenge, which has helped him to shed some weight and live a healthier life than before. The challenge included him changing his diet, committing to walking almost every morning and fasting. It has not been an easy journey for Nkanyiso (47) who has also struggled to find work. "It hasn't been easy,' he tells ZiMoja. 'I've had to make a lot of sacrifices and I am not yet done,' he says. "I've had to change old habits. Losing weight is a really tough journey. When you know that you are addicted to food and trying to run away from food, which is a daily need and necessity, and try to eat as healthy as possible, it is tough. It becomes worse when you are going through financial and emotional struggles,' he adds. 

LOSING EVERYTHING

 Finding employment on TV has not been easy and he has had to find creative ways of making a living. His last major job was in 2016 when he was the brand ambassador for a washing powder. He moved from earning R1 million a year, having a wife and kids to having nothing. He lost his house which was auctioned in 2020. "It has been rough. I had to move back to Durban, at the beginning of this year,' After he separated from his wife a few years ago, Nkanyiso moved in with his brother in Pretoria. This year, things became even tougher and he had to relocate back home to Durban. "Things were not going well in Joburg, so I had to move back home to stay with my family. The ups and downs are there and they all add to the stress and challenges, on top of my trying to lose weight. It's been rough but I I show up when it's time to show up,' he says.

DATING AGAIN

Despite all the hardships, Nkanyiso is thinking positively and he started dating again. "I have started dating someone. There are challenges, but we are working on them,' he says. "The distance is an issue because she is in Pretoria and I am in Durban. But we try every day to be better and communicate.'

FEELING POSITIVE

He has no plans of giving up despite the many hardships. "Mentally, physically, and spiritually, I am strong,' he says. "I want to believe I am taking good decisions. Spiritually I am in tune with God and know that good things are coming. In the last year, I have had a whole lot of TV show ideas that I have put down. I am also trying to create projects where I teach the youth about the Zulu culture, acting, TV productions and scriptwriting to keep them busy to change their lives. I am trying to get back to singing and recording my album. I will also be working with a chef to create healthy snacks that I will sell and create gym clothing for obese people. So, there is a lot happening and all I need is support from sponsors and for people to join in the movement,' he says.