"Too fat to live in our country" - Modelea tells us how NZ sent back to SA because of her weight

Loading player...
Imagine arriving in your ideal country; the place where you'd like to start a new life; and being told you should leave immediately...

Mondelea Bezuidenhout was told she should come back to South Africa for one of the most prejudice and fatphobic reasons.
The 35-year-old mother and wife immigrated from Gqeberha to New Zealand with her family in 2018, but soon after arrival was deported following a certain immigration medical assessment which described her as a “severe-risk”.
The assessment was according to body mass index (BMI) and it stated Mondelea's was too high for her to remain in the country - a decision upheld by their government.
Take a listen as she tell us how it all unfolded
24 Feb 2022 12AM English South Africa Society & Culture · Daily News

Other recent episodes

Ska Fela Moya: Donovan Shirley's Double Comrades in 24 Hours for Mental Health

Most runners dream of completing one Comrades Marathon. Donovan Shirley decided to run it twice in 24 hours. Donovan Shirley joined East Coast Breakfast to talk about his extraordinary "Get Back Up" challenge, running the Comrades route from Pietermaritzburg to Durban before turning around and joining the official race back…
12 Jun 2AM 4 min

Sky's World Cup Update: Can Bafana Bafana still survive?

All eyes are on Bafana Bafana. After a disappointing loss to Mexico, South Africa faces a must-win clash against Czechia. Darren, Sky & Carmen debate the controversial five-at-the-back system, explained the World Cup’s suspension rules, and reveals why they believe Bafana can still keep their dream alive.
17 Jun 2AM 5 min

East Coast Breakfast chats with 2026 Comrades Marathon winners

Fresh off their historic 2026 Comrades Marathon victories, George Kusche and Gerda Steyn joined East Coast Breakfast to unpack their unforgettable performances, share the emotions of crossing the finish line, and relive a race for the history books.
15 Jun 3AM 8 min

Did Carmen pick the wrong glasses?

Carmen’s eyesight is getting worse, but choosing a pair of glasses turned out to be an even bigger challenge! After sharing her favourite frames online, more than 500 people weighed in, with many saying her choices looked more like goggles than glasses. Things took an unexpected turn when a listener…
10 Jun 5AM 12 min