Justin bends the rules when he’s tied up

18/12/2014. Justin Phahlane a self taught contortionist shows off his rare skills Picture: Masi Losi

18/12/2014. Justin Phahlane a self taught contortionist shows off his rare skills Picture: Masi Losi

Published Dec 23, 2014

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Pretoria - Justin Phahlane is a bendy man of note. The self-taught contortionist is using his talent to bend and twist his body in seemingly impossible ways to earn a living.

But, says Phahlane, 24, from Kwa-Mhlanga, east of Pretoria, not everyone understands what his art is about.

Some mistakenly confuse it with magic.

Phahlane says he first learned about contortion as a child from watching television.

He realised through imitation that he was able to manipulate his limbs in similar ways.

At first, his family thought that he was being naughty when he started with contortion and some actively discouraged him, urging him to concentrate instead on academics.

Phahlane said contortion was rare in South Africa. However, he had a role model in Bolter Ntuli, Katlehong’s “rubber man”.

Phahlane can be hired to perform at parties and corporate events.

He has done some shows at Sun City and Emperor’s Palace, and has demonstrated his ability at schools, but hopes to break into television advertising.

Phahlane can be reached on facebook: Justin Phahlane or on Twitter: @ justin phahlane.

Pretoria News

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