Latest news with #ConAmoreSchool
The Citizen
09-08-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Local athlete claims Masters 3 title at WPC competition
Con Amore School's woodwork teacher Johan Steenkamp proved he's just as strong outside the classroom as he is inside it, clinching first place in the Masters 3 (100kg) division at the World Powerlifting Congress (WPC) event held at Urban Shack in Benoni on June 15. The veteran lifter impressed judges and spectators alike with a 240kg squat, 140kg bench press, and 280kg deadlift, marking another high point in a powerlifting career that spans more than two decades. Steenkamp has long been a powerhouse in the sport, having held numerous national and world records under the WPC. ALSO READ: Model Transportation Fair set for August 2 at Wynand Marais Hall His journey began 21 years ago, competing in equipped categories with the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), where athletes use squat suits, bench shirts, and knee wraps for added lift capacity. He represented South Africa at the 2007 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand, finishing fourth overall. The following year, during the World IPF event in Potchefstroom, he earned his SA Protea colours as a coach. 'I feel my hard work and dedication paid off,' said Steenkamp. 'At the end of the day, what you put in is what you get out.' In 2014, Steenkamp joined the Rhino Powerlifting Club (RPC), and by 2018, transitioned fully into the WPC, where he says he found his true competitive home. Since then, he has racked up nine South African records and five world records, including standout lifts like a 285kg squat, 160kg bench press, and 285kg deadlift, with a total lift of 730kg. His international appearances include the 2019 WPC Championships in Lahti, Finland, where, despite battling severe cramps, he managed a total of 686kg. ALSO READ: Kempton athlete to represent SA at world pole sports event Later that year, he dominated the SA WPC Nationals, winning the overall Masters title and breaking the Master Two (90kg) deadlift record. In 2021, he returned to the national stage to set a new world record with a 275kg squat, cementing his status as one of South Africa's most enduring lifters. His journey hasn't been without setbacks. In 2022, he tore his right shoulder's supraspinatus muscle and suffered a minor tear in the left shortly after. After nearly a year out, he returned to training in July 2022, with the support of his youngest son, Franco, who now trains alongside him. 'Franco keeps me focused and motivated,' he said. 'Training together is special.' Steenkamp's resilience runs deeper than injury recovery. Diagnosed in 2001 with an enlarged blood vessel on the brain, doctors warned him against heavy training. But with successful treatment and his oncologist's encouragement, he returned to the sport and never looked back. 'Powerlifting gave me a new perspective on life,' he said. 'It's taught me discipline, mental strength, and patience – qualities I use daily as a teacher working with special needs learners.' ALSO READ: Kempton athlete to represent SA at world pole sports event He credits much of his success to coach and mentor Pieter De Waal. 'He taught me never to give up. Powerlifting is a sport that builds both mental and physical endurance.' Now, Steenkamp is focused on his next challenge – the 2025 WPC World Championships, set to take place in Durban on November 6. 'I'd like to thank my wife Louise for her support, my eldest son Jason for managing my nutrition, and Franco for being my daily motivation,' he said. 'Their support keeps me strong and focused as I prepare for the Worlds.'
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Vikk The Groove: Turning passion into power and purpose
Ntsako Victor Rankapula Vukeya, better known as Vikk The Groove, is not just a musician but a creative force exploring multiple art forms, including music, creative directing, and visual storytelling. With about a decade in the industry, Vikk has become a name people recognise and respect. Drawing inspiration from global icons like Drake, Brent Faiyaz, and local legend AKA, Vikk's mission goes beyond fame. ALSO READ: Thembisa comic to feature in Tembisawapopayi music video 'More than anything else, I want people to take my story and use it as proof that you can come from humble beginnings and still make it in life,' he said. 'Success to me means being able to look back and say you opened doors for others, and they paid that forward to the next generation.' His recent feature on the Skuta Baba remix marks another milestone. 'An A&R agent from Universal Music Africa who scouted for a DJ to feature on the come-up remix contracted me. My name kept coming up, and just like that, I was on it,' Vikk shared. He added that performing live remains one of the most fulfilling aspects of his career. ALSO READ: Con Amore School hosts musical workshop 'Seeing the smiles on people's faces when I am on stage, knowing I might inspire the next artist or helping someone forget their problems, is a powerful thing.' Vikk credits his unique sound and perspective to his diverse upbringing, having lived in the township, the suburbs, and rural areas. 'All those experiences shaped me. Reconnecting with my original producer, FKA Moses, for this latest track was special. We both have grown so much, and our growth inspired me to speak boldly on the record.' He remains grounded in his faith and is thankful for the journey. 'I always give it to God. I am blessed to have fun doing my job. That mindset, combined with feeding off the crowd's energy, helps me light up the stage.' Vikk also acknowledges the internet's transformative role in the music industry. 'The internet has done a great job opening doors for artists, making it easier to connect, collaborate and grow our brands. It created new revenue streams and marketing tools we did not have before.' ALSO READ: Local musician gives back through pad drive Looking ahead, Vikk focuses on expanding his brand and empowering others. 'If I could change anything, it would be to bring focus to the music business and financial literacy among artists. Right now, I have an event series in the works, a new TV show or radio opportunity on the horizon, and an EP by the end of the year.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
