Joshua Jantjies, 19, is currently training to compete at the South African Powerlifting National Championships. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

Joshua Jantjies does not fit the typical stereotype of a powerlifter. Small in stature, the 19-year-old is a first-year Nursing Science student in the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Yet, when he steps onto the powerlifting platform, that stereotype quickly fades.

Jantjies has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most promising young powerlifters, capable of lifting three times his own body weight. His strength, determination and discipline have already earned him major titles, including being crowned the 2025 South African National Junior Powerlifting Champion and the Western Cape Champion. Now, as a national and provincial record holder, he is preparing to represent UWC once again at the South African National Powerlifting Championships on 19 March 2026.

Jantjies’ decision to study nursing was shaped by a deeply personal experience. While he was in Grade 11, his mother passed away after battling cancer, a loss that profoundly influenced the direction of his life. “That experience made me want to work in hospitals and help people who are going through difficult circumstances. My family also has a medical background, so nursing felt like the right path for me.”

What makes Jantjies stand out most in the sport is the contrast between his physique and his performance. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

Long before he stepped onto a powerlifting platform, Jantjies spent most of his time on the rugby field, where strength training was simply part of the sport. But it was his brother who unknowingly set him on a new path. “My brother actually started powerlifting, and like most brothers, we always try to be stronger than each other,” he said. “So I joined as well. That’s how the journey began.”

What began as friendly competition soon evolved into something much bigger. With natural athletic ability and a strong work ethic, he quickly rose through the ranks of the sport, surprising many with what his small frame could achieve.

His coach, Rebecca Engelbrecht, remembers the moment she first realised just how much potential he had. The two met at the Western Province Championships last year when one of her athletes introduced them. “Joshua had recently moved from Gqberha to Cape Town and mentioned that he was looking for a coach. I then invited him to come train with me,” said Engelbrecht. 

What she discovered surprised her: “Most people who reach Joshua’s level have had professional coaching for years. Joshua had never even followed a proper powerlifting programme before we started working together.”

Once structured training was introduced, his progress was remarkable. What makes Jantjies stand out most in the sport is the contrast between his physique and his performance.

In a discipline often dominated by athletes with imposing builds, he continues to prove that strength is not defined by size. Instead, it is built through discipline, technique and relentless dedication.

“Joshua is an incredibly driven individual. If he keeps going the way he is now and maintains the right mindset, he can go really far,” she said, and believes that his rugby background has also helped shape his athletic ability and resilience.

Joshua Jantjies and his coach, Rebecca Engelbrecht, have worked together for more than a year. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

“That foundation gives him the ability to push even further,” she said. “In a couple of years, he has the potential to be one of the best powerlifters South Africa has ever seen.”

Behind Jantjies’ rapid rise in the sport is a strong support system, especially his father, Shawn Jantjies, who has been by his side throughout the journey and helped him pursue powerlifting at a competitive level.

“Including my dad in the article genuinely means the most to me,” he said. “He has covered each and every one of my expenses and has accompanied me to the majority of my tournaments, even cooking for me at competitions.”

This support has helped the young UWC student-athlete remain focused on both his academic and athletic ambitions as he continues to represent the University of the Western Cape on national platforms.

As he prepares for the upcoming national championships, Jantjies is proud to carry the UWC name onto the national stage. Balancing the demands of a rigorous nursing degree with elite-level training requires discipline, time management and resilience, qualities he continues to demonstrate both in the gym and in the classroom.

When he steps onto the platform again in March, the small-framed athlete will once more demonstrate a powerful truth: strength is not defined by size, but by determination.

@uwconline Small frame, extraordinary strength. UWC Nursing student Joshua Jantjies (19) can lift three times his body weight. The 2025 South African National Junior Powerlifting Champion is now preparing to represent the University of the Western Cape (UWC) at the South African National Powerlifting Championships on 19 March. #IAmUWC ? DJ Exit Tyler ICU Count your blessings - DJ Exit