“Yes Girl”: Former Social Development Spokesperson Unapologetic About Pole Fit Passion, SA Reacts
- Former social development spokesperson Lumka Oliphant shared videos of her pole dancing journey on X, surprising many South Africans
- Oliphant said she believes every woman should try pole fitness after childbirth, calling it a full-body workout with a strong community
- South Africans on Facebook had plenty to say about the former government official's unexpected new passion
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Source: UGC
Lumka Oliphant, the former spokesperson for the Department of Social Development, has taken South Africa by surprise. She is now publicly championing pole fitness, sharing videos of her progress on X and speaking openly about why she believes more women should give it a go.
Oliphant said the discipline had taught her things she did not expect, particularly about the habits women carry in their bodies long after pregnancy.
"I believe every woman after childbirth should be encouraged to do pole because I realised there are habits we don't stop after accommodating a bump, simple things like picking up something off the floor without opening your legs."
She added that the full-body workout and the supportive community of women it brought her were equally valuable.
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Source: Getty Images
Oliphant refuses to let injury stop her
The journey has not been without setbacks. Oliphant recalled a painful muscle cramp that struck during an inverted pose, describing the experience as feeling like she was dying. But she was back in class the very next week. She said, making it clear she had no intention of quitting:
"I had to go back and show that pole *andenziwa njalo mna!* [you don't do that to me!]."
Her willingness to speak candidly about the hobby, combined with her public profile, quickly drew attention online.
View the Times LIVE post here.
Mzansi reacts to Lumka Oliphant's pole passion
South Africans on Facebook had a field day in the comments on the page on the Times LIVE post published on 27 August 2026:
Dennis Ellis added:
"Fantastic...."
Nokuthula Mntonintshi related to the idea of a surprise passion, saying:
"I can relate, I think we all have those fantasy work jobs that would make a person think it's fun and relaxing."
Momo Montles Kgapane showed full support:
"Yes girl. I'm joining you."
Nkululeko Skhethabahle Dube offered an unexpected takeaway:
"Many government officials can learn a thing or two from her."
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- South African fitness entrepreneur King Squats turned his early football dreams and setbacks into a thriving fitness empire built around lower-body strength and transformation.
- A South African fitness coach shared nine popular chocolate bars with fewer than 200 calories each, showing Mzansi that you can still enjoy a sweet treat while keeping an eye on calories.
- Fitness entrepreneur Jenz Robinson announced that he was leaving the UK to return to South Africa with his family, with Mzansi welcoming his decision to come home.
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Source: Briefly News
