By Saul Molobi
October 2024 marks the launch of Masingita Masunga Legacy Month, a celebration of resilience, inclusion, and holistic wellness through abOVEnormal — a multidisciplinary initiative founded by Masingita Masunga. With the guiding philosophy of “mens sana in corpore sano” (a sound mind in a sound body), abOVEnormal seeks to cultivate strategic focus, physical agility, and high performance, rooted in health awareness, fitness, and stylish activewear.
What is abOVEnormal?
abOVEnormal is more than just a fitness brand — it is a movement aimed at disrupting the market as Africa’s first Black-owned sports and fitness label. abOVEnormal promotes holistic wellness across body, mind, and soul, encouraging individuals to push beyond societal norms and limitations. By fostering self-confidence and a non-conformist approach, abOVEnormal empowers disadvantaged communities to excel in sports and life, offering a platform for them to rise to national and international prominence. The initiative believes firmly that “the body achieves what the mind believes” and uses sport as a powerful tool for transformation.
With the values of inclusion, resilience, and high performance at its core, abOVEnormal provides a wide range of products, programs, and platforms designed to break down barriers and lift communities through the empowerment of individuals.
Masingita Masunga: A Visionary Leader
Masingita Masunga is a trailblazing entrepreneur, social activist, and advocate for diversity and inclusion. She has dedicated her career to empowering marginalized communities and providing a platform for underrepresented voices to be heard. As the founder of abOVEnormal, she is a pioneer in the sports and wellness industry, combining her passion for fitness with her commitment to social justice.
Masingita’s leadership has inspired countless individuals to challenge the status quo, encouraging them to reach their full potential. Her work extends beyond business, as she is a mentor and role model to many, exemplifying the ethos of “lifting others as you rise.”
abOVEnormal Projects and Partnerships:
1. Tribute to Thabiso Sikwane at the Soweto Marathon:
abOVEnormal is deeply honoured to pay tribute to the late Thabiso Sikwane, an advocate for diversity and inclusion and an ambassador for the brand. To commemorate what would have been her 50th birthday, abOVEnormal will lead a special initiative at the Soweto Marathon, where 50 prominent individuals will participate, each representing causes close to Thabiso’s heart, including gender equality, mental health awareness, and inclusion in leadership and sports.
Notable participants include:
• Masingita Masunga: Advocating for economic inclusion for Black-owned businesses.
• Former Minister Lindiwe Zulu: Running for the inclusion of women and girls in decision-making.
• Yvonne Chaka Chaka: Running for the inclusion of creatives.
• Dr. Cathy Makobe: Running for the voiceless in marginalised communities.
• Chriselda Kananda, Sello Maake ka Ncube, James Moloi (President of Athletics South Africa), and more.
2. Walk in My Shoes Initiative:
abOVEnormal believes that a simple pair of athletic shoes can make a difference, not only physically but also psychologically. Many talented young athletes are excluded from mainstream sports due to the high cost of sports shoes. To combat this, abOVEnormal is launching the “Walk in My Shoes” initiative, encouraging elite athletes and sports organizations to donate pairs of abOVEnormal shoes to those in need, ensuring that talent is not stifled by lack of resources.
The initiative will culminate in a major event on April 21, 2025, marking the 10th anniversary of the passing of football legend John “Shoes” Moshoeu, whose foundation is a key partner in the project.
Masingita Masunga Legacy Month:
The Masingita Masunga Legacy Month, launching on October 3, 2024, will feature a series of activities focused on breast cancer and mental health awareness, under the theme: “AfriCAN Child, It’s Possible because it’s abOVE O’clock — Your Time to Rise.” As part of this celebration, abOVEnormal will honour the legacy of Masingita Masunga’s leadership in driving inclusion and wellness, and inspire others to take up the mantle of social change.
Join the Movement:
We invite you to participate in Masingita Masunga Legacy Month and join hands with abOVEnormal to drive the message of inclusion, wellness, and empowerment. This is a movement that echoes Nelson Mandela’s belief in the power of sport to unite, inspire, and transform societies.
Together, let’s rise above adversity and create a future where all voices are included, and all potential is realised.
An evening worth being part of
At 18:00, the evening’s program will be opened by the Programme Director, welcoming esteemed guests and setting the stage for a thought-provoking event focused on inclusion and empowerment. Saul Molobi, former Consul General to Italy, will address “The AfriCAN Brand Value,” highlighting the potential of African identity on the global stage. International speaker David Molapo will follow with a powerful address titled “Rise AfrICAN Child – Igniting Possibilities,” inspiring the audience to envision a future of limitless potential for Africa’s youth. Masingita Masunga will then take the stage to present “Revealing the 50 Shades of Inclusion,” discussing the diverse facets of inclusion that shape the abOVEnormal philosophy. The keynote speaker, Former Deputy President Mme Baleka Mbete, will then deliver the evening’s keynote address, providing insights into the importance of inclusive leadership in building a stronger Africa. The program will conclude with a reflective closing, encapsulating the evening’s key messages and urging continued commitment to the cause of inclusion.
“A swi endleki, swi nga endleki” – It’s impossible for it to be impossible.
#Jikizinto #ChangeTheGear #MasingitaLegacyMonth