My Womanhood Journey: Zintle Mpupha

Womanhood is about finding out who you are and being true to that. Not always easy, but definitely worth it!

Interview

Can you tell us a little about who you are and what your journey as a woman has looked like so far?

My name is Zintle Mpupha. I was raised in a small village in the Eastern Cape, and today I’m proud to wear the jerseys of both the Bulls Daisies and the South African national rugby team. My journey as a woman has been anything but straight – it’s been full of challenges, lessons, and plenty of growth. Growing up in a rural community meant opportunities were limited, but that shaped me into someone who’s resilient and willing to fight for what she believes in. Rugby became my voice when I couldn’t always find the words. Through the sport, I discovered not just a career, but my purpose. Being a woman in a male-dominated space has taught me that vulnerability is its own kind of strength, and authenticity is powerful. Every tackle, every try, every setback has been part of claiming space, not just for me, but for the girls watching from the sidelines. I’m still evolving, but I’ll always carry with me the values I grew up with: hard work, humility, and heart.

When did you first feel a strong sense of your own womanhood? What is womanhood to you?

That moment hit me when I stopped apologising for being in spaces that weren’t built for women – like the rugby field. Early in my career, I realised I didn’t have to shrink or dim my light to be respected. I could lead, compete, and still carry my softness, intuition, and strength. That was the shift for me. To me, womanhood means embracing all of who you are and all your power, your emotions, your voice, and your impact. It’s about rising not only for yourself but also for the women watching you. It’s a lifelong journey of becoming, unlearning, relearning, and showing up authentically.

What does being a woman mean to you today?

Being a woman today means walking unapologetically in your power. It’s knowing that strength and softness don’t cancel each other out but rather that they’re both essential parts of who we are. It’s also about being part of a bigger shift, where I am breaking barriers, rewriting narratives, and showing young girls that there’s more than one way to define womanhood. For me, it’s about leading with purpose, staying grounded, and using my story to open doors for others.

What inspired your current path (career, creativity, or something else)?

My path was shaped by purpose meeting passion. Growing up, I didn’t see many women who looked like me in professional sport. But I had a dream, and I had drive. Rugby came into my life at a time when I needed direction, and it became so much more than a sport, for me, it became a platform. What keeps me inspired today is knowing I represent something bigger than myself. Every time I step onto the field, I’m not just wearing a jersey rather that I’m carrying the dreams of girls who’ve been told they can’t. I want to be the role model I didn’t have, and that’s what fuels me on and off the field.

Have you faced any challenges as a woman in your field or community? How did you overcome them?

Absolutely. Being a woman in rugby comes with its own set of hurdles (as you can imagine) – limited resources, lack of recognition, and the constant need to prove we belong. We’ve often trained just as hard as the men but didn’t get the same opportunities or visibility. What’s carried me through is resilience, a strong support system, and a clear sense of purpose. I surrounded myself with people who believed in me, worked hard even when no one was watching, and reminded myself that this isn’t just about me, it’s about every girl coming after me. Each challenge has been fuel to push harder and prove that not only do we belong – we thrive.

What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself in the past year?

I’ve learned that I don’t always have to operate in survival mode. For so long, I thought I had to push through everything, from pain, to pressure, to expectations. But this past year, I realised rest is also part of the grind. Asking for help doesn’t make me weak, it makes me human. I’m learning to value peace just as much as performance, and that shift has helped me show up better – not only for myself, my team, and the people I love.

How do you care for yourself in a world that often demands so much from women?

I protect my peace – mentally, emotionally, and physically. I’ve learned to set boundaries, to rest without guilt, and to check in with myself just as much as I show up for others. Sometimes self-care is training hard and fuelling my body properly and other times it’s switching off my phone, spending time in silence, or surrounding myself with people who pour into me. I’ve realised that I can’t pour from an empty cup, and that taking care of myself isn’t selfish, but more so, it’s necessary.

Who are the women (past or present) who’ve inspired or supported you?

The first women who shaped me are the ones in my family – my mother, my grandmothers, and my aunts. Their strength, sacrifice, and resilience gave me the foundation I stand on. They taught me to carry myself with grace, to work hard, and to stay grounded in where I come from. In sport, I’m inspired by the women who came before us – the ones who played, coached, and led when there was no spotlight or contracts, just pure love for the game. Their quiet courage made space for athletes like me. And of course, my teammates, who I view as modern-day warriors who push me, support me, and inspire me daily with their honesty and grit.

What message would you share with other women reading this today?

You are enough – exactly as you are. Don’t shrink yourself to fit into anyone’s box, and don’t wait for permission to take up space. Your story, your strength, and your softness all matter. Show up for yourself, even on the hard days. Rest when you need to, rise when you’re ready, and remember that your journey is powerful, mainly so because it’s yours. And as you rise, reach back and lift another woman with you. We’re stronger together.

A favourite quote or mantra you live by?

“Pressure is a privilege.”

It’s a reminder that every challenge and responsibility is proof that I’ve earned my place. I’ve worked for it, so I welcome the pressure, it means I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

In Summary

Thank you, Zintle, for sharing your story with us. It reveals a life of integrity, where you ‘worked hard even when no one was watching’. You were true to yourself, and that has made all the difference. What a great example you are to the next generation!

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest of achievements”

Ralph Waldo Emerson